In my quest to understand why some in our field express disdain for working with the mouth—and keep an open mind while doing it—I came across this article. At first, I thought, good; this’ll give me definitive information—a study that compares two types of therapy and oral motor is one of them. Then I read it.
Whether you’re pro or con, are you aware of how the oral motor controversy started? It’s important. Ultimately, the controversy was initiated with one journal article. Up to that time oral motor was at the “debate” level.
Have you ever worked with a child with a significant speech sound delay but was unsure if the child’s speech was apraxic or dysarthric but you knew something “motoric” was going on? Yes? You’re not alone.
The “NSOME” controversy has spawned a major storm. It started in the late ‘90s with a few groundswells that perpetually grew into a full-blown perfect storm. I’ve never seen anything like it in the speech pathology world—a world I love.
Dr. Charles Van Riper is considered by most to be "the father of articulation." I consider him to be my professor and a great and wise man. Enjoy and ponder his words of wisdom.
One way to incorporate your computer or a touch screen device (without using a full-blown game) is to use a spinner or die that’s on the device. It adds an element of intrigue and enjoyment.
Mary Lou says, "I'm able to get most low-verbal children to imitate quickly with these systematic strategies. I've used this method extensively and has taught it to others with great success."
Teachers in my last elementary school were unhappy with their reading curriculum and were doggedly focused on finding something better. Turns out, this is not an uncommon occurrence in many schools. Maybe even yours.
The QOE includes the same five categories and oral-facial items as last week’s Therapy Matters. It's all on one page which makes it easier. It’s a check sheet with a few “comment” write-in areas.
The mouth is the source of speech and we can’t ignore it. I want to know the condition of the mouth I’m working with so I can adjust my therapy to the needs of the child.
Squeezing in time to find, read, interpret, and figure out how to apply the results of research articles is difficult at best. If you have the same conundrum, I hope this once-a-month Research Review helps fill your needs. This is a good one.
Most children know how to play but some don’t. They have no sense of venturing beyond the walls of familiarity. ‘Play’ is a good thing, and an influential part of communication.
Recording our speech-kids in therapy is a no-brainer. But what’s the “best” app to use to record them? Are some recording apps better than others? I think so.
Has a child ever walked into your therapy room and he sounded 10 times worse than he did last week? Chances are he's been fitted with a palatal expander. So, now what? Sometimes the answer is obvious, but sometimes it isn't.
The Timeline Phase is the first of the two carryover phases. Timeline oral resting posture practice requires him to pause, focus on his mouth, and assume positions with his lips, tongue, jaw, and nose that are new and unfamiliar.