For children with speech sound difficulties, clear communication can feel like a distant dream. Traditional speech therapy, while effective, sometimes needs an extra nudge. Enter Oral Placement Therapy (OPT), a unique approach that harnesses the power of touch to improve speech clarity and feeding skills. This article delves into the world of Oral Placement Therapy, exploring its benefits, techniques, and how it can empower children with communication challenges.

What is Oral Placement Therapy?

Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a form of sensory-motor intervention that utilizes tactile cues to improve the placement and movement of the oral structures involved in speech production.  These structures include the lips, tongue, jaw, and velopharyngeal valve (a muscular flap separating the nose from the throat).

During OPT sessions, a trained therapist provides gentle touch and proprioceptive input (information about body position) to the oral area. This helps children with speech sound difficulties develop a stronger awareness of their mouth and how to move it precisely for clear speech production.

Why Choose Oral Placement Therapy?

Many children struggle with speech sound production due to various factors, including:

• Weak oral musculature: Some children may have weak or underdeveloped muscles in their lips, tongue, and jaw, making it difficult to produce specific sounds.

• Sensory processing challenges: Children with sensory processing difficulties may struggle to understand the sensations coming from their mouth, hindering their ability to control their oral movements for speech.

• Apraxia of Speech: This is a motor planning disorder that affects the ability to coordinate the movements necessary for speech production.

Oral Placement Therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with these challenges. By providing targeted sensory input, OPT can help them:

• Develop awareness of their oral structures: OPT helps children understand the position and movement of their lips, tongue, and jaw, giving them better control over their speech production.

• Strengthen oral musculature: Certain OPT techniques can help stimulate and strengthen the muscles in the mouth, improving articulation and speech clarity.

• Improve sensory processing: OPT can help children with sensory processing difficulties become more comfortable with touch in the oral area and integrate this information for better speech production.

• Develop motor planning skills: For children with apraxia of speech, OPT can provide a structured approach to practicing specific oral motor movements, improving their ability to plan and coordinate the complex sequences needed for speech.

The OPT Toolbox: Techniques for Success

Oral Placement Therapy utilizes a variety of techniques to address individual needs. Here are some common approaches:

• Tactile Cues:  The therapist gently touches specific areas of the mouth to guide the placement of the lips, tongue, and jaw for different sounds.  For example, light pressure might be applied to the lips to help them close for sounds like "p" or "b."

• Proprioceptive Input:  The therapist may use tools or hand positions to provide proprioceptive input, such as holding the jaw in a specific position or placing a tongue depressor on the tongue to guide its movement.

• Visual Aids:  Mirrors can be used for visual feedback, allowing children to see the position of their oral structures and compare it to a model provided by the therapist.

• Oral Motor Exercises:  OPT may incorporate specific oral motor exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speech production. These exercises can be playful and engaging, making therapy more enjoyable for children.

Beyond Speech: The Benefits of OPT for Feeding

Oral Placement Therapy isn't just about speech. It can also benefit children with feeding difficulties.  Children who struggle with chewing, swallowing, or coordinating sucking might have underlying oral motor weaknesses. OPT can address these challenges by improving oral awareness, strengthening oral musculature, and promoting sensory integration in the mouth. This can lead to improved feeding skills and a more positive mealtime experience.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Placement Therapy?

Oral Placement Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of children with speech and feeding difficulties, including those with:

• Apraxia of Speech

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Down Syndrome

• Cerebral Palsy

• Sensory Processing Disorder

• Developmental Delays

• Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

• Structural abnormalities in the mouth

Finding the Right OPT Therapist

If you are considering Oral Placement Therapy for your child, it's crucial to find a qualified therapist trained in this specific approach. Look for therapists certified in TalkTools® or other recognized OPT programs. These therapists will have the necessary expertise to assess your child's needs and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Working Together: Collaboration is Key

Oral Placement Therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other speech and feeding therapies. Collaboration between the OPT therapist, your child's speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and other healthcare professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to address your child.

The decision to utilize Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) marks the beginning of a collaborative journey for parents, therapists, and the child. Here's a closer look at implementing OPT and integrating it  with other therapies for optimal results.

Implementing Oral Placement Therapy

Initial Assessment:  The first step is a thorough evaluation by the OPT therapist. They will assess your child's oral motor skills, sensory processing, speech sound production, and feeding difficulties (if applicable). This helps tailor the OPT program to address your child's specific needs.

Developing an Individualized Program:  Based on the assessment, the therapist creates a personalized OPT program. This program outlines specific techniques, exercises, and tools to be used during therapy sessions.  It may also include home practice activities for parents and caregivers to carry over the skills learned in therapy.

Engaging Therapy Sessions:  OPT sessions are designed to be playful and engaging for children.  Therapists utilize a variety of tools and techniques to make therapy fun and motivating. This can include using colorful bite blocks, textured chew toys, and visual aids like picture cards or mirrors.

Home Practice is Key:  For optimal results, consistent practice at home is crucial.  The therapist will provide parents and caregivers with clear instructions and practice exercises to reinforce the skills learned during therapy sessions. This collaborative approach ensures continuity and maximizes the effectiveness of Oral Placement Therapy.

Integrating OPT with Other Therapies:

Oral Placement Therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other therapies relevant to your child's needs.  Here's how OPT integrates with other disciplines:

• Speech-Language Therapy (SLT):  The OPT therapist works closely with the child's speech-language pathologist (SLP) to ensure a cohesive approach. The SLP can incorporate the improved oral motor skills developed through OPT into their speech therapy sessions, focusing on sound production, language development, and communication skills.

• Occupational Therapy (OT):  For children with sensory processing challenges, occupational therapists can work with the OPT therapist to develop strategies for managing sensory sensitivities in the mouth. This comprehensive approach can address both sensory processing and oral motor skills, improving your child's overall feeding and communication abilities.

Measuring Progress and Celebrating Milestones

Throughout the OPT therapy journey, it's important to track progress and celebrate milestones. This can be achieved by:

• Maintaining detailed progress notes:  The therapist will document your child's progress in terms of oral motor skills, speech sound production, and feeding abilities.

• Setting realistic goals:  Working collaboratively with the therapy team, you can set achievable goals for your child's progress. Reaching these goals provides a sense of accomplishment and motivates continued effort.

• Celebrating small victories:  Acknowledge even small improvements in your child's oral motor skills, feeding behaviors, or speech clarity.  Positive reinforcement keeps them motivated and engaged in the therapy process.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future with Oral Placement Therapy

Oral Placement Therapy offers a powerful tool to help children with speech and feeding difficulties. By harnessing the power of touch and sensory input, OPT can improve oral awareness, strengthen muscles, and promote better coordination for clearer speech and more efficient feeding.  When implemented effectively and integrated with other therapies, Oral Placement Therapy paves the way for a brighter future where children can communicate more effectively and experience the joys of successful feeding. Remember, this journey requires patience, dedication, and a collaborative approach.  With unwavering support and the expertise of qualified therapists, Oral Placement Therapy can empower your child to reach their full potential.