Orofacial myology refers to the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to airway, speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing and overall mental and physical health. Pacifier use, thumb sucking habit, reverse swallow, tongue thrust, lisp, articulation disorders and orthodontia regression can all benefit from orofacial myology services. When a collaborative approach is taken between patient, orofacial myologist, otolaryngologist, dentist and orthodontist, breathing can improve, illnesses can decrease, noxious habits can be eliminated and speech can improve. Learn more here: www.iaom.com/faq/

Effective speech, language and cognitive-linguistic functioning is crucial to understand the world and express yourself to others. Whether developmental in nature or acquired, delays and disorders deserve evaluation and treatment. Most speech-language pathologists have specialties. If you need help that isn’t my specialty, I will do my best to make a referral to another professional.

Preschool and school-aged child screenings for speech, language and orofacial myology delays and disorders are essential for helping to identify struggling students. Often, these these young students are incorrectly labeled as “inattentive”, “behavioral problems” or “bad listeners” because screenings and subsequent evaluations have not been utilized to identify other issues. Early intervention is only possible with early identification. I make the screening process simple for school directors/heads/principals and their schools with voluntary participation by families for a nominal fee, online registration and quick results. References for this service available upon request.