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.
Question re: Eyedropper Technique and Drooling
By Pam Marshalla
Q: I am using your eyedropper method for a non-verbal 5-year-old girl in the trainable cognitive level. She also has a neuromuscular disorder. We do it for 15 minutes and then she gets bored. Do you have advice?
This is not the type of activity that you do for 15 minutes. Weave it in-and-out of other SL activities you are doing. Use the dropper procedure every 90 seconds while she is otherwise engaged. You want to stimulate her to swallow every 90 seconds while she is doing other things.