Our licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologists & Certified Orofacial Myologists use a structured, client-centered approach to improve each client’s oral motor, chewing, swallowing, & eating difficulties. Sessions occur in 30 min increments. In each session, 25-28 min is direct & indirect treatment with the client & caregivers for training in home exercise plan/carryover and 3-5 min is reserved for questions, answers, & clean-up/disinfection.
Direct treatment will occur via play & fun tasks at the table or on the floor. Often, we use visual picture/word schedules so that each client can see what will occur during the session. We utilize sensory-motor techniques as indicated during treatement. As appropriate, we employ Beckman stretches, Talk Tools hierarchies, PROMPTs, & a variety of other traditional and state-of-the-art therapy techniques as well to help each client improve their skills. It’s vital that clients and their caregivers understand what, how, & why to practice these skills at home for continued improvements.
During direct treatment, a client will participate in learning about how/why their orofacial muscles are dysfunctional & how best to improve the alignment, balancing, range of movement, stability, control, coordination, & dissociation of the orofacial muscles (cheeks, jaw, lips, & tongue). The home exercise carryover program is a vital part of the therapeutic process.
