Speech Sound Therapy and Orofacial Myology

Why would I consider this?

• Has your child been overlooked for speech therapy in the schools because the articulation errors are not considered educationally handicapping?
• Has your child been in speech therapy for years and is still working on the same speech sound goals with no noticeable improvement?
• Has your child experienced relapse following orthodontia treatment?
• Has your orthodontist or dentist recommended seeing a speech pathologist to address underlying issues with the tongue position?

These are only some of the reasons you may have when considering speech sound therapy  and orofacial myology.

What is speech sound therapy?

Speech sound therapy involves instruction in how to correctly produce challenging sounds.  In many cases sounds are made incorrectly due to improper positioning of the tongue, which can negatively affect the ability to say the s, l and r sounds clearly. Therapy is offered individually, either in person or online. Due to licensure requirements, I am only able to see clients residing in either Colorado or California.

What is orofacial myology?

Orofacial myology is “The study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing and overall mental and physical health” (Sandra Holtzman, MS, CCC-SLP, COM, QOM).  Treatment involves establishing correct resting postures of the tongue and lips through evaluation and exercises. This can have a positive effect on dentition, breathing and swallowing patterns, and speech.  Orofacial myology is often provided in conjunction with orthodontia treatment and may be initiated upon referrals from your dentist and orthodontist.  Sessions are provided in person, online or in a combination of both. Due to licensure requirements, I am only able to see clients residing in either Colorado or California.

How does the program work?

Speech therapy begins with an evaluation of your child’s ability to make all of the sounds of English in a variety of speaking tasks.  Results are analyzed for errors or error patterns and are compared to children similar in age.  Goals for instruction and practice are then determined.

During speech therapy sessions, your child will engage in fun games and activities centered around developing those targeted sounds.  Tasks will progress in difficulty, and instruction will center around teaching proper tongue placement, manner (how the sound is made) and voicing.  Speech practice will happen both in therapy sessions and at home through a program tailored to your child’s needs.  The ultimate goal will be for your child to speak clearly and to be understood

Orofacial myology  begins with an evaluation of the lips, jaw, and tongue at rest and in motion during chewing, swallowing, non-speech movements and speaking. Observations of posture, breathing patterns, and dentition will be made.  A treatment plan with specific goals and exercises will be created, in conjunction with appropriate referrals to other disciplines as needed.  These may include ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physicians, dentists and orthodontists.

Ideally your evaluation will be conducted in-person.  Treatment sessions will involve learning specific exercises to address your goals, and these may be provided either in-person or online.

What are my next steps?

Once you decide you’d like to pursue speech or orofacial myology therapy, please schedule a free consultation . We will discuss present needs, history of treatment, and previous assessments (if any).

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