Category: Oral Motor

Drooling

By Pam Marshalla

Q: My 3-year-old client with cerebral palsy continues to have so much saliva when he speaks. I am seeking information about how to address all the saliva and bubbles that he produces during speech. The key is to help your client: Suction and swallow more often during everyday activities Suction and swallow with greater efficiency Maintain lip closure during oral rest The real help is found by doing oral-motor and feeding work. Medications or surgery sometimes are necessary in severe cases….

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What Does Oral Motor Therapy Have to Do With Speech?

By Pam Marshalla

Q: Most oral motor exercises are not identical to the movements required for speech. No English speech sounds involve tongue wagging, whistling, tongue clicks, tongue curls, etc. So what do oral motor exercises have to do with speech? In 2007, I reviewed 73 textbooks, clinical guides, and conference proceedings in the areas of articulation, phonology, motor speech, feeding, dysphagia, orofacial myology, and oral motor. These books spanned the years 1912-2007. I was studying the history of jaw, lip, and tongue…

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