Speech
Speech is how children say sounds and put sounds together to make spoken words - something we mostly take for granted. The ability to produce the different sounds in words is developmental, i.e. there are different ages at which children learn to produce specific sounds.
However, some children may have difficulties with articulation - the pronunciation of words, where they may not be able to produce specific sounds which are typically produced for their age. They may also have verbal dyspraxia – a speech difficulty caused by neurological challenges related to putting the sounds in a word in the correct order. In other words, syllables and words may get jumbled and confused.
Speech therapy can help to develop a child’s articulation of sounds and words so they can be better understood by those around them.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialised form of therapy that focuses on strengthening and improving the function of the muscles in the face, mouth and throat.
For children, this therapy can be incredibly beneficial, addressing issues like improper tongue posture, mouth breathing and difficulties with chewing or swallowing. By retraining these muscles, myofunctional therapy can promote proper oral development, improve speech clarity and even positively influence facial growth.
Additionally, it can help to correct habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, which can have long-term effects on dental alignment. Ultimately, this therapy aims to create a foundation for optimal oral health and function, contributing to a child's overall well-being.
I am now trained in OMT and can offer this type of therapy to children.
For more information on OMT, visit the following website.
