Tag: Feeding

Does an SLP Need a Background in Orofacial Myology?

By Pam Marshalla

Q: Do SLP’s need a background in orofacial myofunctional therapy? I am not a certified orofacial myologist, but I have taken many seminars on the topic. I attend their conventions periodically, and I read and have written for the IAOM Journal. I have found that concepts from orofacial myofunctional therapy have been very useful to me as another way to gain a broad perspective of oral movements. Throughout my career I have combined concepts from orofacial myology, feeding development and therapy, and…

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Speech-Feeding Relationship

By Pam Marshalla

Q: “Do you think feeding problems cause speech problems? My professor says no.” I believe you’re approaching the question from the wrong direction. My experience is that feeding problems do not cause speech problems, and speech problems do not cause feeding problems, because — My experience is that both feeding and speech problems are the result of mouth movement problems. This is easy to understand if you step away from our field and consider other movement skills.

Sibilants and Tongue Cribs

By Pam Marshalla

Q: Can I expect correct articulation on S, Z, Sh, ZH, CH, J, T, D, N, and L when my client has a tongue crib that fills the entire alveolar ridge? The orthodontist is recommending SL therapy for the phonemes and to fix the swallow. In my experience clients usually cannot produce any of their lingua-alveolar and/or sibilant sounds correctly as long as an appliance like that is in the mouth.  The appliance distorts sound, especially stridency. I usually do…

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Help for Adult with Articulation and Feeding Problems

By Pam Marshalla

Q: I am an SLP with a lisp and mild problems with chewing and swallowing. I receive SL services as a child, but I quit too early and have not completely remediated my errors. What would you recommend? I would recommend that you find an SLP who is trained in orofacial myology to oversee your work on speech, eating, swallowing, and probably oral rest.  An orofacial myofunctional therapist who knows what s/he is doing would be of great help to…

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Tongue Thrust Following the Swallow

By Pam Marshalla

Q: My friend’s daughter has a tongue thrust (the tongue pushes forward after the swallow). The orthodontist gave her one technique–– holding gum on the roof of her mouth while she swallows. Do you have any other ideas for tongue thrust techniques for a very typically developing 2nd grader? First a few words about the general nature of this question:  Asking someone for ideas about teaching a correct swallow is like asking someone for techniques to fix an articulation error. …

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Tongue Thrust References

By Pam Marshalla

Q: What do you recommend to begin doing reading on tongue thrust? In terms of textbooks, I would recommend either of the following.  The chapters about what to do in therapy for tongue thrust are basically the same in both of these books: Hanson, M. L., & Barrett, R. H. (1988) Fundamentals of orofacial myology. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas. Hanson, M. L., & Mason, R. M. (2003) Orofacial Myology: International Perspectives. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.

“Marshalla Eye Dropper Technique” For Drooling Elimination

By Pam Marshalla

This opinion paper was originally posted as a downloadable PDF on my website, authored in November, 2012. Download the original PDF here. *** “Marshalla Eye Dropper Technique” For Drooling Elimination November 2012, Pam Marshalla, MA, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist Application This simple process is to be done in conjunction with a good program to facilitate improved oral-motor and feeding skills. It can be employed even if child is on medication or has had surgery to reduce or eliminate drooling. This method is…

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Low Tone and Mild Artic

By Pam Marshalla

Q: My teen client has low tone, mild articulation problems, problems with intelligibility, and imprecision of articulation (interdental lingua-alveolars, F/Th, and distorted R). He has a slack jaw and forward tongue posture at rest. His tongue appears flaccid. Cognitive skills are okay. I went to your class called 21st Century Articulation Therapy and am trying to figure out which methods to use to address low tone in speech. Also what should I do about the tongue thrust? In terms of…

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Exposed Upper Teeth

By Pam Marshalla

Q: One of my high school students has a tense upper lip, which interferes with correct productions of P, B, and M, although she can produce labials in structured tasks.  She also chews with her mouth open and makes smacking sounds.  The resting position of her mouth often reveals her teeth, and her tense upper lip is noticeable. How can I improve her articulation as well as her looks and eating habits? Your client needs a program of orofacial myology…

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