This advice-column-style blog for SLPs was authored by Pam Marshalla from 2006 to 2015, the archives of which can be explored here. Use the extensive keywords list found in the right-hand column (on mobile: at the bottom of the page) to browse specific topics, or use the search feature to locate specific words or phrases throughout the entire blog.
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.
My little book How to Stop Drooling introduces all these ideas in a simple format. It is a look at the behavior and it will help you see the overall process.
Also see:
- A Practical Approach to Saliva Control
by Hilary Johnson and Amanda Scott (Communication Skill Builders, 1999.)
- Drooling Remediation Program by Sara Rosenfeld Johnson at TalkTools (also an ebook without the tool kit)
- Swalloworks Therapy Program by Char Boshart at Speech Dynamics
There is new research on management of saliva control in children with CP, published in Dysphagia, New Advances. The relevant chapter is: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/79510