21 MONTHS: REPEATING WORDS
Belle is continuing to progress month after month. She has become more vocal, and she has officially mastered walking. Belle is confident in her ability to walk anywhere she wants to…
Oral Placement Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Individuals with a Down Syndrome
By: Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCC-SLP Presentation of the Problem: Individuals with Down syndrome are at risk for what is known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders or OMD. OMD can impact the oral phase of feeding,…
Overcoming the Unexpected
Learning something from a previous experience or mistake is a common thing in life. We all do it. But putting into action what you learned may take more effort. I…
THE DSCBA MAKES A BIG IMPACT
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area’s mission is to promote the unique contributions of children and adults with Down syndrome by providing direct services to them and their families, and to…
18 MONTHS: CHEWING WITH HER NEW TEETH
Annabelle is continuing to do well with her straws and eating. Several of her teeth are coming in all at the same time so she is getting to eat a…
Interning in Advocacy
I left everyone last month by saying that Elizabeth was going to school! What an accomplishment for her and her strength. Yes our little Elizabeth is in school. Everyday of…
17 MONTHS: ATTENDING A COURSE AND IMPROVING HER EXERCISES
I recently attended the “Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy” and it was great. Monica was the presenter and I really learned a lot. It helped to show me what exercises and goals…
EARLY ORAL-MOTOR INTERVENTIONS FOR PEDIATRIC FEEDING PROBLEMS: WHAT, WHEN AND HOW
“Early Oral-Motor Interventions for Pediatric Feeding Problems: What, When and How” Authors: Cecilia J. Manno, Catherine Fox, Peggy S. Eicher and MaryLouise E. Kerwin JEIBI VOLUME 2, ISSUE NO. 3,…
Ask A Therapist: Jaw Stability Protocol for Severe Underbite
Hi Therapists, What do I do for a 19 year old student with a severe underbite (a gap of ½ inch between top and bottom teeth) when trying to use…
Ask A Therapist: Proper Tongue Elevation & Retraction
I need advice please! I am seeing a 5 year old child with severe childhood apraxia of speech together with dysarthria (specifically weakness of tongue and lips). So far his…