Strengthening Oral-Motor Skills for Better Speech
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a specialized approach that focuses on improving the strength, coordination, and placement of the jaw, lips, and tongue. This therapy is essential for children with feeding difficulties, speech articulation problems, and oral-motor weaknesses.
Benefits of Oral Placement Therapy
OPT provides targeted interventions to improve oral-motor function and overall communication abilities
Muscle Strengthening
Targeted exercises to strengthen jaw, lip, and tongue muscles for better control
Speech Clarity
Improved articulation and pronunciation through precise oral placement
Feeding Skills
Enhanced chewing, swallowing, and overall feeding coordination
Sensory Awareness
Increased awareness of mouth and tongue positioning for better function
Coordination
Better timing and coordination of oral movements for speech and eating
Confidence
Improved self-esteem through better communication and eating abilities
Our OPT Treatment Process
We use evidence-based OPT techniques and specialized tools to address each child's unique oral-motor needs through systematic, progressive therapy.
Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed evaluation of oral-motor function, feeding, and speech patterns
Customized Treatment Plan
Individualized therapy program targeting specific oral-motor goals
Specialized Tools
Use of OPT-specific tools like horns, straws, and bite blocks
Progressive Exercises
Graduated activities to build strength and coordination systematically
Home Practice Program
Structured exercises and activities for daily practice at home
Progress Monitoring
Regular assessment and adjustment of therapy goals and techniques
Conditions Addressed with OPT
Our oral placement therapy effectively treats various oral-motor and speech-related challenges
Feeding Difficulties
Speech Articulation Problems
Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Dysarthria
Apraxia of Speech
Swallowing Disorders
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
OPT Tools and Techniques
Specialized tools and evidence-based techniques for effective oral-motor therapy
Horns and Whistles
Build lip strength and coordination through controlled airflow exercises
Therapeutic Straws
Develop sucking patterns and oral-motor control with specialized straws
Bite Blocks
Improve jaw stability and grading of jaw movements
Chewy Tubes
Provide safe chewing practice and jaw strengthening
Tongue Depressors
Facilitate tongue placement and movement exercises
Vibrating Tools
Increase sensory awareness and stimulate oral muscles
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oral Placement Therapy
What is Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)?
OPT is a specialized therapy approach that uses specific techniques and tools to improve the strength, coordination, and placement of the jaw, lips, and tongue for better speech and feeding abilities.
How is OPT different from traditional speech therapy?
While traditional speech therapy focuses on sound production, OPT specifically targets the underlying oral-motor skills needed for clear speech and effective feeding through muscle strengthening and coordination exercises.
What age children can benefit from OPT?
OPT can benefit children of various ages, from toddlers to teenagers, depending on their individual needs and oral-motor development challenges.
How long does OPT treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Some children may see improvements in weeks, while others may require several months of consistent therapy.
Are OPT exercises safe for my child?
Yes, OPT techniques are safe when administered by trained professionals. All tools and exercises are specifically designed for therapeutic use and are age-appropriate.