Tongue Thrust Program: Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)
Lori Savage Grayson, MMSc, CCC-SLP was trained specifically for OMD during her graduate studies at Emory University and has successfully treated hundreds of children, adolescents and adults over her 36 years in practice. Following a Consultation and Diagnostic Evaluation at Children’s Communication Center, the SLP Intervention services can begin. Ms. Grayson’s SLP Intervention for a Tongue Thrust is identified as the OMD Program. She has adapted and refined the OMD Program into four “contracts” which typically require 12 to 16 weeks for completion. The OMD program includes techniques & exercises which focus on:
- Increasing awareness of mouth and facial muscles
- Increasing awareness of mouth and tongue postures
- Increasing positive habits/behaviors related to a mature swallow pattern
- Improving muscle strength and coordination
- Improving speech sound productions (if appropriate)
- Improving swallowing patterns
- Improving chewing patterns (if appropriate)
- Improving confidence through success of positive changes