Not every speech sound disorder is purely developmental. Some children have orofacial issues that may hold back speech development and progress in therapy. In this episode of the Speech Link Podcast, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, is joined by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss how to tell when a child's speech difficulties are developmental and when orofacial myofunctional factors are involved.
Drawing on her experience and research, Robyn explains basic differences between developmental speech characteristics and those of children with additional orofacial myofunctional factors. She outlines procedures for analyzing potential respiratory issues and oral hard and soft tissue issues, names three components of the orofacial system to assess, and offers therapy suggestions. She also addresses an important element of service delivery and the validity of oral-motor therapy.
Drawing on her experience and research, Robyn explains basic differences between developmental speech characteristics and those of children with additional orofacial myofunctional factors. She outlines procedures for analyzing potential respiratory issues and oral hard and soft tissue issues, names three components of the orofacial system to assess, and offers therapy suggestions. She also addresses an important element of service delivery and the validity of oral-motor therapy.
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