Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a specialized approach to both speech and feeding therapy that focuses on improving speech clarity and oral function through the integration of tactile cues and oral-motor exercises.
Key Features of OPT:
- Targeted Oral-Motor Exercises: Our certified therapists employ a variety of tools and techniques designed to enhance the strength, coordination, and endurance of oral muscles. These exercises are tailored to address the specific needs of each individual, promoting more effective and precise movements.
- Improving Speech Clarity and Feeding: OPT is particularly effective for individuals with speech sound disorders, apraxia, and feeding difficulties. By targeting specific oral movements, the therapy helps children achieve clearer and more consistent speech production.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Each child's therapy plan begins with a thorough assessment to understand their unique needs. This assessment allows our therapists to design an individualized therapy plan that addresses the specific challenges faced by the child.
- Integration with Traditional Speech Therapy: To ensure a comprehensive treatment approach, we combine OPT with traditional speech therapy methods. This integrated approach enhances the overall effectiveness of the therapy, providing a well-rounded support system for the child's development.
Benefits of OPT:
- Enhanced Oral Function: By focusing on oral-motor skills, OPT helps improve the functionality of the mouth for both speech and feeding.
- Improved Speech Production: The targeted exercises lead to more accurate and consistent speech sounds, aiding in better communication.
- Increased Muscle Strength and Coordination: The therapy enhances the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in speech and feeding, leading to more efficient oral movements.
- Tailored Therapy Plans: Our personalized approach ensures that each child’s therapy plan is suited to their specific needs, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Our goal with Oral Placement Therapy is to provide children with the tools and skills they need to communicate more effectively and enjoy greater independence in their daily lives. By combining the best of traditional speech therapy with the innovative techniques of OPT, we strive to achieve optimal outcomes for each child.