Oral-Motor Therapy

Detailed Explanation:

Oral-motor therapy focuses on improving the strength, coordination, and function of the oral muscles involved in speech and swallowing. It is used to address issues such as articulation disorders, feeding difficulties, and dysphagia.

Therapy includes exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and jaw, enhancing their ability to produce clear speech and support safe swallowing.

Examples of Oral-Motor Therapy:

• A child with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) may practice tongue and lip exercises to improve sound production.

• An individual with dysphagia might work on strengthening the muscles needed for chewing and swallowing safely.

• Therapy for an adult recovering from a stroke could include jaw stability exercises to regain oral control.

Related Terms:

• Articulation Therapy

• Dysphagia

• Speech Sound Disorder

• Tongue Thrust

Frequently Asked Questions about Oral-Motor Therapy:

1. What is oral-motor therapy?
   It is a therapy aimed at strengthening and improving the coordination of oral muscles for speech and swallowing.

2. Who benefits from oral-motor therapy?
   Children with articulation or feeding disorders and adults with swallowing difficulties often benefit.

3. What techniques are used in oral-motor therapy?
   Techniques include exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and jaw and improve speech and swallowing coordination.

4. Can oral-motor therapy help with speech clarity?
   Yes, improving oral muscle control can enhance articulation and overall speech clarity.

5. How long does oral-motor therapy take?
   The duration depends on the severity of the issue and the individual’s progress but typically involves regular sessions over months.