Tag Archives: speech therapy tools

Access a comprehensive range of speech therapy tools designed to develop and improve communication skills, enhance articulation accuracy, support language comprehension, and foster expressive and receptive language growth across all age groups.

Oral Motor Treatment Strategies: Part 1

Feeding Therapy, Oral Motor, , ,

On Tuesday night, Therapro was pleased to host a highly attended webinar presented by Dr. Kate Barlow, focusing on Oral Motor Treatment and Feeding strategies. This blog is part of a multi-post series that explores key points from Dr. Barlow’s webinar. In this entry, we specifically highlight treatment strategies related to feeding.

Dr. Barlow is an Assistant Professor at American International College. She is also the current ambassador for the CDC’s Learn the Signs Act Early program for the state of Massachusetts. She has over 20 years of clinical experience, including public school practice, early intervention, and a pediatric hospital-based outpatient clinic, as well as management. Dr. Barlow’s passion is in global outreach; she founded the International Interprofessional Mentorship Program that currently provides mentorship to over 100 therapists in developing countries in Africa and South America.

Dr. Barlow’s extensive knowledge in this area was evident as she seamlessly broke down this complex topic into manageable bits of information. Dr. Barlow set out with the main objectives of providing viewers with specific intervention strategies for oral motor deficits and relaying the importance of screening all children for feeding difficulties. As one viewer stated:

“This was one of the best courses I’ve taken in a long time. The instructor was knowledgeable with practical assessment and treatment strategies that I can even use in collaboration with SLPs. So many OTs are intimidated to address feeding, especially in the school setting, but I think it is so important!” -LB

Viewers left with some great take-aways that we will recap in this post:

1. Guidelines for making food recommendations. 

2. The importance of enjoying food.

3. All children should be screened for feeding disorders.

Guidelines for Making Food Recommendations. Match food choice with skill level. When Dr. Barlow discussed guidelines for recommending appropriate food choices, she stated simply  “look at the child in front of you and where they are developmentally.” This bit of advice was a great reminder for new and experienced therapists alike; a child’s skill level isn’t necessarily defined by their age. Dr. Barlow highlighted this further by showing that the development of circular rotary chew could occur on a widely varied timeline, anywhere between 18 to 36 months! 

The Importance of Enjoying Food.  Another important takeaway from Dr. Barlow’s webinar was the importance of enjoying food. She spoke passionately about the importance of understanding underlying medical problems when addressing feeding difficulties. Dr. Barlow explained that behavioral problems around eating can often be addressed when the feeding difficulty is appropriately treated. Another point she raised is the importance of a child being included at the family table. She stressed the importance of this inclusion, in whatever capacity the child is capable (even if it meant that they were just sucking on a lollipop), because the mealtime experience is an important cultural ritual.    

All Children Should Be Screened for Feeding Disorders.  A third take away from Dr. Barlow’s webinar was the importance of screening all children for feeding difficulties regardless of why that child is on your caseload.  She highlighted the prevalence of feeding difficulties as a key factor in this; I was struck by how prevalent feeding difficulties are even in typically developing children.  Dr. Barlow cited research indicating feeding difficulties are present in one in four typically developing children. In children with developmental disabilities and cerebral palsy, the prevalence is significantly greater.  With this information, I found myself reflecting on all that I knew about the role of nutrition in supporting optimal behavior for participation.  The concept of screening all children for feeding difficulties truly makes sense when considering the prevalence of feeding difficulties and the role that nutrition plays in a child’s ability to attend and participate in all of their daily activities.  

Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment

A great resource for information on oral motor and feeding treatment is a book published by Therapro: Pediatric Feeding Disorders Evaluation and Treatment.  It covers topics ranging from the progression of feeding development, to the role of the gastrointestinal system in feeding difficulties, to the evaluation of feeding difficulties, along with a broad range of other feeding topics!  Stay tuned for future blog posts where we continue our review of Dr. Barlow’s webinar, exploring her tips and suggestions for screening pediatric feeding difficulties as well as some of her great treatment strategies! 

Game Adaptations for All Ages: Enhancing Therapy with Play

Fine Motor & Hand Skill Development, Games, , , , , ,
Allyson Locke, MS, OTR/L presenter for the seminar Games, Games, Games: Unique Adaptations of Games for All Ages and All Abilities.

On March 16th, therapists and teachers formed teams to learn new games and how to adapt them for those with whom they work from preschool age and up. Allyson Locke, MS, OTR/L presented the seminar Games, Games, Games: Unique Adaptations of Games for All Ages and All Abilities. She discussed how the games can be used as part of the therapy process as well as how they can be used to target educational goals.

Allyson’s expertise with adapting games comes from her extensive and diverse background in both sensory integration and school-based practice. She currently works in a Massachusetts school for children and young adults who have significant medical, mental health, and cognitive needs.

Allyson chose 5 Therapro games to discuss in her presentation, followed by hands-on game time. The games included NOVENOPS, Letter Treasure Hunt, A Fist Full of Coins, Obstacles, and Left Center Right Dice Game (LCR). Attendees rotated every 15 minutes from one game to another. They reconvened as a group to discuss possible modifications of the games in order to meet a student’s needs. Letter Treasure Hunt, created by author and occupational therapist, Jenny Clark, has many adaptations for playing built into the game. It also includes suggestions for variations of playing the game within the game directions. The game includes a Captain’s Log for writing acquired treasures, for which a variety of pencil grips can be trialed. Allyson discussed a variety of multisensory activities for writing letters, i.e. Wikki Stix, Squiggle Writer, scented markers. Children can play in teams or individually to target cooperative and social skills. There are endless variations to try! During the game, players draw a Captain’s Orders card that features a motor activity they must perform.

Allyson provided a peek at a number of other games that will be discussed in Therapro’s first-ever webinar: Games, Games, Games: Unique Adaptations of Games for All Ages and All Abilities, Part 2. Be sure to keep an eye out for an announcement for this webinar in the Therapro’s e-newsletter (Theragram), and on the Therapro website.

All of the game adaptations presented were unique, motivating, and applicable to many environments. As therapists and educators, we are trained to develop strategies that ensure that children learn and succeed in achieving goals. Making learning fun is what motivates students of all ages!

Attendees enjoyed this interactive seminar! Here’s what they had to say:

“I liked exploring various games for different skill/age levels.” – Laurie K., Occupational Therapist

“It was fun to move around and try things.” – Rolene K., Teacher

“I enjoyed exploring the games while brainstorming & discussing how to adapt/grade each game to meet the needs of various students/clients.” – Shannon A., Occupational Therapist

“Surprised me that it would apply to my preschool class. Very good. Lots of fun.” – Anonymous, Teacher

“Great intro to available OT focused games!” – Inibral D., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Allyson!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
March 16, 2019

Move Mindfully Card Deck and Sensory Systems

Motor & Movement, Social Emotional Learning, , , , , ,

Therapro is excited to offer the Move Mindfully Card Deck, available at our store. This product helps integrate physical fitness, mindfulness and social emotional skills into practice. The deck not only offers individual poses, but also routines to address a variety of common needs, such as “accident prone” and “lethargic”.

As a Blog Bonus, we are offering a free download of three poses from the card deck to get you started with a simple routine.  Read on to learn more about each pose and how it relates to your Occupational Therapy goals.

Belly Breathing

Belly Breathing

Getting into the Pose:
Belly Breathing is often taught with the Hoberman Sphere. The brightly colored, collapsible tool offers a visual tracking point to feel the diaphragm expand and contract. However, hands can simply be placed at heart and belly when teaching belly breathing as well. To start, we recommend a seated position in a chair, for back support. As a modification, this pose can also be completed laying on the floor. In this position, try a small object or toy placed on the belly for extra visualization of the up and down movement.

Therapy Resource:
Belly breathing is a great way to work on postural stability while maintaining an upright position without a collapsed trunk or slouched shoulders. This pose also taps into interoception and body awareness as breathing is tracked.

Tree Pose

Tree Pose

Getting Into the Pose:
Tree Pose is an introductory balancing pose that all body abilities can enjoy. We start by cueing the heel to touch the ankle. As balancing progresses, the foot can be placed on the calf or thigh. However, make sure to avoid any pressure on the knee joint. The hands press together at midline, palm to palm, providing additional input.

Therapy Resource:
Like belly breathing, this pose works postural stability through core activation in a static hold. It also works on bilateral coordination as hands and feet press towards midline while maintaining balance and focus. The stacking of joints over the anchored foot (ankles, hips, wrists) taps into theproprioceptive system. If you need additional proprioceptive input in this pose, try stamping feet before attempting to hold static. Activate the vestibular system by experimenting with the foot and hand placement.. Also, try small movement, such as swaying, within the pose. Work on vision by providing various focal points experimenting with gaze up, out, down and even eyes closed. If you see the MORO Reflex in this pose, return to Belly Breathing.

Child’s Pose

Child's Pose

Getting Into the Pose:
Child’s pose is often used at the beginning or the end of a session. However, it can be used whenever there is a need to decrease overstimulation. It can be completed on the floor or at a table.

Therapy Resource:
As you cue stacked fists, you are working on bilateral coordination and proprioception as joints are stacked together at midline. On the floor, there is the additional tactile input from the legs and arms on the Earth. Seekers may need to rock, or add extra movement to the pose, while avoiders may have to stay more upright. Offer a vestibular system modification of seating in a chair, hands stacked on forehead and chin slightly tucked.

Guest Blogger: Stephanie Kennelly

About Us-

This blog post is a collaborative effort of Sweet Inside Yoga and 1000 Petals.

Sweet Inside Yoga is a company providing resources for occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health practitioners, classroom teachers, yoga teachers, professionals, parents, and others in the community to use with individuals who can be found seeking and/or avoiding yoga activities.

1000 Petals is a well-being training and consulting company based on the science and practice of mindfulness and movement. They provide integrative mindfulness and movement solutions in workshops, events, retreats and self-care classes.