From thumb sucking to jaw clenching, oral habits and how to eliminate them is one of the most common challenges faced by parents, therapists, and caregivers. These behaviors may seem harmless or even soothing at first—but when they persist beyond the appropriate developmental stage, they can interfere with speech clarity, feeding efficiency, and jaw stability. […]
Ask A Therapist: When to Start Tongue Retraction Exercises
I have attended two of Sara‘s workshops. I have a 7-11 year old student with a frontal lisp who still sucks his thumb at night and sometimes during the day. His tongue is forward with an open mouth position when he is at rest. I haven’t yet checked to see if his swallow is affected. Should […]
Ask A Therapist: Unsupervised Chewing
Hello, My patient was evaluated by you in June of 2014. We are currently using the red bite tube and yellow bite tube in therapy and at home to improve jaw strength and stability. However, the patient is now seeking ‘input’ orally—especially with chewing—now more than ever before. How can we support this sensory need […]
Ask A Therapist: A Therapeutic Alternative to Mouthing Habits
Hi Sara, It has been awhile since we have seen you in Richmond! James is doing well. His speech seems pretty normal to us at this point (maybe some subtle things remaining). I was emailing with a related question, and hoping that you can point us in the right direction. James has had some issues […]
Ask A Therapist: Bite Tube Hierarchy for TMJ Stimulation
Dear TalkTools, My son, David, is 4 years old and has Down syndrome. He has, in the last year, started chewing on his tongue. I have tried giving him the P & Q to chew on and also the Gator Jiggler. The Gator works for a time and the P’s and Q’s do not seem […]
Ask A Therapist: Teeth Grinding
My child has no problems with eating or drinking, but grinds his teeth until I want to grind mine! His dentist says it’s common in kids with Down syndrome. I saw your teeth grinding items and wondered if they might help? He is 5 years old, does not speak much – he imitates sounds, growls […]
Ask A Therapist: Teeth Grinding
My child has no problems with eating or drinking, but grinds his teeth until I want to grind mine! His dentist says it’s common in kids with Down syndrome. I saw your teeth grinding items and wondered if they might help? He is 5 years old, does not speak much – he imitates sounds, growls […]
Ask A Therapist: Teeth Grinding
My child has no problems with eating or drinking, but grinds his teeth until I want to grind mine! His dentist says it’s common in kids with Down syndrome. I saw your teeth grinding items and wondered if they might help? He is 5 years old, does not speak much – he imitates sounds, growls […]