Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
An Orofacial Myofunctional disorder describes any irregularities in the form and function of the muscles or the face and mouth. This may also include dental or skeletal structures that could affect normal growth and development. OMD's can occur throughout the lifespan and may present differently in different age groups.
Articulation and Phonological Disorders
As you will notice, almost every child has some mistakes with their sounds as they are learning to talk. Some of these sound errors are developmental and may correct on their own. Others can be persistent and make it difficult for your child to be understood by others. A speech sound disorder is when these speech sound errors surpass a certain age in which they are expected to be corrected. Speech sound disorders include problems with articulation (trouble saying a few sounds), and phonological processes (trouble saying groups/patterns of sounds).
Stuttering
Stuttering is a fluency disorder and typically refers to the interruption of airflow when speaking. You may hear your child repeat a word (e.g. I I I I want a cookie), a phrase (e.g. I want I want a cookie), a sound (e.g. The ttttttttractor fell), or have long periods of blocks before they can “get the word out”. Some children show struggle behaviors such as closing their eyes, scrunching their face, or squeezing their fists when they are trying to "get the word out". When any of these behaviors occur, it is important that you contact a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Children with Childhood Apraxia of speech typically have several speech sound errors, and despite practice, have trouble making progress on their own. Children with CAS, have difficulty programming and planning movements of their tongue, lips, palate, and jaw to produce speech, which can significantly impact their ability to be understood by others.
Cleft Lip/Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate occurs when the lip and/or palate of a baby does not “fuse” or grow together, leaving a hole in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) and/or a split in the upper lip (cleft lip). When this occurs, a baby will have problems feeding, then later can result in articulation/phonological disorders (trouble with sounds, or patterns of sounds). Ideally, an interdisciplinary team consisting of a plastic surgeon, dentist/orthodontist, and speech language pathologist will work together to determine the best course of treatment and carefully monitor the child’s progress over time.
Expressive Language
With an expressive language delay, a child will have trouble communicating their thoughts, wants and needs to others. They may have trouble with:
Receptive Language
With a receptive language delay, a child will have difficulty understanding language. They may have trouble with:
Voice Disorders
Abnormal vocal quality due to pitch, resonance, or loudness. Many times this could be due to vocal abuse or misuse (too much yelling, screaming, or overusing the voice). It is important that consult with your Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) to rule out any medical conditions.
Pragmatic Language Deficits
Deficits in social skills, also known as pragmatic language, can be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children who have trouble with pragmatics may have difficulty making or keeping friends, making eye contact, taking turns, playing with others, and being aware of feelings.
An Orofacial Myofunctional disorder describes any irregularities in the form and function of the muscles or the face and mouth. This may also include dental or skeletal structures that could affect normal growth and development. OMD's can occur throughout the lifespan and may present differently in different age groups.
Articulation and Phonological Disorders
As you will notice, almost every child has some mistakes with their sounds as they are learning to talk. Some of these sound errors are developmental and may correct on their own. Others can be persistent and make it difficult for your child to be understood by others. A speech sound disorder is when these speech sound errors surpass a certain age in which they are expected to be corrected. Speech sound disorders include problems with articulation (trouble saying a few sounds), and phonological processes (trouble saying groups/patterns of sounds).
Stuttering
Stuttering is a fluency disorder and typically refers to the interruption of airflow when speaking. You may hear your child repeat a word (e.g. I I I I want a cookie), a phrase (e.g. I want I want a cookie), a sound (e.g. The ttttttttractor fell), or have long periods of blocks before they can “get the word out”. Some children show struggle behaviors such as closing their eyes, scrunching their face, or squeezing their fists when they are trying to "get the word out". When any of these behaviors occur, it is important that you contact a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Children with Childhood Apraxia of speech typically have several speech sound errors, and despite practice, have trouble making progress on their own. Children with CAS, have difficulty programming and planning movements of their tongue, lips, palate, and jaw to produce speech, which can significantly impact their ability to be understood by others.
Cleft Lip/Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate occurs when the lip and/or palate of a baby does not “fuse” or grow together, leaving a hole in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) and/or a split in the upper lip (cleft lip). When this occurs, a baby will have problems feeding, then later can result in articulation/phonological disorders (trouble with sounds, or patterns of sounds). Ideally, an interdisciplinary team consisting of a plastic surgeon, dentist/orthodontist, and speech language pathologist will work together to determine the best course of treatment and carefully monitor the child’s progress over time.
Expressive Language
With an expressive language delay, a child will have trouble communicating their thoughts, wants and needs to others. They may have trouble with:
- Asking questions
- Labeling objects
- Putting words together to form phrases and sentences
- Using sentences that make sense
- Using gestures
- Effectively communicating to familiar and unfamiliar individuals
- Learning songs and rhymes
- Telling personal information like their age, address, family members
- Using parts of speech like “plural -s (dogs/cats), pronouns “he/she/they”, possessive -s (e.g. Sarah’s car).
Receptive Language
With a receptive language delay, a child will have difficulty understanding language. They may have trouble with:
- Answering questions
- Following directions
- Having conversations with others
- Initiating play
- Identifying pictures and objects
- Understanding what gestures mean
Voice Disorders
Abnormal vocal quality due to pitch, resonance, or loudness. Many times this could be due to vocal abuse or misuse (too much yelling, screaming, or overusing the voice). It is important that consult with your Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) to rule out any medical conditions.
Pragmatic Language Deficits
Deficits in social skills, also known as pragmatic language, can be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children who have trouble with pragmatics may have difficulty making or keeping friends, making eye contact, taking turns, playing with others, and being aware of feelings.
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