20 Jul 2024 
Oral motor impairment presents a variety of challenges for both the individual affected, and for the care team providing intervention. Often the individual experiencing oral motor difficulties is not able to follow commands. The person may not be eating or taking fluids orally, which reduces the opportunities for observation of oral movement patterns. The majority of baseline protocols currently available require at least minimal direction-following skills. The protocol developed by Beckman uses mechanical muscle responses, which are not mediated cognitively, to baseline the response to pressure and movement, range of movement, variety of movement, strength of movement and control of movement for the lips, cheeks, jaw, and tongue.
In this two day course (16 contact hours or 1.6 CEUs), participants will actively participate in hands-on practice for compensatory handling techniques for the following concerns: tonic bite, tonic bite on a utensil, slow oral transit, tongue thrust, cough, gag and vomit. The participants will complete an oral motor protocol with each other, analyze the results, and discuss data tracking. The participants will also complete hands-on practice for specific oral motor interventions to address the deficit areas discovered during baseline assessment.
Additional topics of discussion may include: goal writing, diet texture progression, tube to oral issues, adaptive mealtime utensils, oral hygiene issues, medication administration issues, oral function for individuals with trachs, facilitating improved articulation through oral motor techniques, research issues, videofluoroscopy issues for motorically involved individuals, and additional topics of importance as determined by the participants. The information and techniques presented are inclusive, and should augment the skills and knowledge base of each participant.
Participants: Licensed speech pathologists and occupational therapists
Instructional Level: Intermediate – This program is offered for 1.6 CEUs (Intermediate level; Professional area, knowledge of oral structures, muscles, and innervations).
Course Objectives:
Participants will:
Pre-Post Test Questions:
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy family time, and celebrate what matters most. From expressing gratitude to creating holiday crafts to enjoying cozy indoor activities, we’ve put together a list here of ideas to make this Thanksgiving fun and meaningful for all ages! Starting New Traditions Taking time to reflect on […]
When planning for emergencies, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with special needs—whether children or adults—may require extra attention and preparation. Emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or evacuations can be especially challenging for families and caregivers. Having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness plan can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover essential […]
Halloween is a time of excitement for many children, filled with costumes, candy, and fun activities. However, for children on the autism spectrum, Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities and unexpected changes in routine. With some planning and awareness, you can ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free Halloween. Understanding […]
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. This guide will help you understand what an IEP is, how it is developed, and how you, as a parent, can play a vital role in ensuring your child receives the support they […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
Balance is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in a child’s physical development. It’s not just about standing on one foot or walking in a straight line; balance is integral to almost every physical activity, from running and jumping to sitting and standing. Developing strong balance skills early on can enhance your child’s […]
Total Education Solutions’ ABA Therapy Program Receives BHCOE Accreditation in California and Michigan, Adding to Existing Ohio Accreditation South Pasadena – July 24, 2024 – Total Education Solutions (TES Therapy), a leading provider of therapeutic and educational services, proudly announces that its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs in California and Michigan have received full two-year […]
As the laidback days of summer give way to the structured rhythm of school bells, parents everywhere are gearing up for the excitement and challenges of a new academic year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time parent of a school-aged child, navigating the academic calendar’s complexities can be exciting and daunting. Fear not, […]
Summer heatwaves can be a challenging time for everyone, but they can be particularly distressing for autistic children who often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Understanding and learning how to manage these sensitivities can significantly impact your child’s comfort and well-being during extreme temperatures. Sensory Overload in the Heat ☀️ For many autistic children, the sensation […]
For many of us, Independence Day is a holiday we look forward to. We take a long weekend filled with parties, cookouts, and, of course, fireworks! The smell of the grill, the sight of large crowds gathered together, and the thrilling lights and sounds of the fireworks shows spectacular finish are just some reasons we […]
Avoiding screen time completely can be very challenging, if not impossible, in the world we live in. In fact, the appropriate amount of screen time for babies, toddlers, and young children is a topic of ongoing research and discussion among many experts. Why Does It Matter? It’s important to note that not all screen time […]
Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, has gained significant popularity among adults in recent years. However, its benefits are not limited to grown-ups. Yoga offers a myriad of advantages for children, regardless of their age. From enhancing physical health to improving emotional well-being, yoga can play a crucial role […]
