Oral Placement Therapy (OPT): Enhancing Speech & Feeding Skills

From the moment a baby is born, oral development plays a crucial role in their growth. The ability to suckle, swallow, and transition to solid foods is directly linked to oral motor functions. However, some children face difficulties at different stages, such as:
  • Struggling to accept new foods
  • Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
  • Food selectivity and aversions
  • Excessive drooling
  • Tongue tie or high palate issues
  • Experiencing acid reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing
  • Poor weight gain due to inefficient eating
These challenges often indicate an underlying issue with oral muscle development.
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) goes beyond traditional speech therapy by incorporating Talk Tools to strengthen the lips, tongue, and jaw
Statistics from ASHA state that 30-80% of children with developmental disorders experience feeding difficulties and how early intervention can improve outcomes.
National Institute of Child Health research highlights that 45% of children with autism spectrum disorder face feeding challenges, emphasizing the importance of targeted therapy.
A structured breakdown of common issues OPT addresses, including breastfeeding difficulties, food selectivity, drooling, tongue tie, and high palate issues.

What is Oral Placement Therapy?

Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a specialized approach designed to improve oral motor functions through structured exercises. It goes beyond traditional speech therapy by incorporating Tools, which help strengthen the lips, tongue, and jaw. This therapy is beneficial for children facing difficulties we have mentioned earlier.
Throughout this video, you can check Dr. Mai’s opinion about Oral Placement therapy and more details about it:
Oral Placement Therapy is highly effective for individuals who have not responded to conventional speech or feeding therapies. By targeting the root cause of oral motor difficulties, we help children achieve better speech clarity, improved feeding skills, and overall confidence in their oral abilities. Encouraging parents to seek early intervention at Spectra Clinic to ensure better speech clarity, feeding improvements, and confidence in oral functions.
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