What are your experiences using oral motor approach to improve speech clarity?

"In my recent position working on an inpatient rehab unit for adults, I have found oral motor therapy to be extremely beneficial for patients experiencing both swallowing and speech related issues due their condition. Many of my patients experience dysphagia have benefited from simple oral motor exercises and the benefits from the exercise aided in both swallowing and speech function. I am familiar with my oral motor therapy techniques that can be customized to each patient's situation."

As a Speech Pathologist you may use oral-motor therapy to develop awareness, strength, coordination and mobility of the oral muscles. Tell the interviewer that you use this therapy when working with patients that you are treating with feeding therapy. Tell the interviewer that it helps you determine why a child is having difficulty in a particular area and helps you create an oral-motor-feeding plan individualized for the child.

"A case in which I would use oral-motor therapy to help speech clarity is when saliva is collecting in the mouth and causing slushy-speech. However, it may not be a speech disorder. If I determine that the root cause of this is a swallowing disorder I will consult with a pediatrician to form a disciplinary team."