Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on the way the lips, tongue, jaw and other oral structures work together for functions such as resting posture, speech and swallowing. SpeakClearly includes orofacial myofunctional disorders within the conditions supported by its speech-language therapy team.

When may an assessment be useful?

An assessment may be considered when speech or oral-function concerns occur alongside patterns involving tongue posture, lip closure or swallowing.

• Persistent speech-sound distortions where oral placement may be relevant
• Concerns about tongue or lip resting posture
• Unusual oral movement patterns during swallowing
• Speech concerns that have not responded as expected to previous therapy

What the assessment explores

A speech-language therapist can examine speech production, oral structures and movement patterns, functional swallowing where appropriate, and the child’s broader communication profile. Where another professional’s input is needed, care may be coordinated with the relevant dental, medical or allied-health provider.

Individualised therapy rather than generic exercises

Therapy is based on the findings of the assessment. Activities may address awareness, coordination and functional movement patterns while also targeting the child’s speech goals.

Speech and swallowing need the right clinical pathway

Not every speech error is caused by an orofacial myofunctional pattern, and not every swallowing concern is appropriate for the same type of therapy. A proper assessment helps determine the most suitable next step.