OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS
Definition
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders otherwise abbreviated as OMD, are abnormal movements or positioning of the tongue, lips, and jaw during speech or swallowing, or at rest. This disorder is most common in developing children. There are several different types of OMD, one of the most common is tongue thrust. Where the tongue rests too far forward in the mouth or moves too far forward during speech or swallowing. While it is normal for a baby's tongue to thrust forward while swallowing, this behavior should gradually go away as the child progresses. OMD has varying levels of effect on speech. It may not affect it at all or it may cause some sounds to be said incorrectly. Tongue thrust most often affects production of s, z, sh, ch, and j, as well as sounds made with the tip of the tongue t, d, n, l. In addition to speech and swallowing problems, OMD may cause significant issues with teeth alignment and jaw function.
Instructional Strategies
· First and foremost, inform students of the disorder and the needs students might have. To help ensure that they would be no alienation or segregation in the classroom.
· create and or employ a structured therapeutic program to help the students at home and at school to assist children, including goals like improving speech sound and coordination.
· Provide students with fun opportunities to improve muscle strength in their jaws, such as offering bubble gum or blowing games. Also having activities like making funny faces or making loud and soft noises can be beneficial and fun to children. But make sure this doesn’t interfere with students education.
· Use instructional programs like IEP’s to help integrate students’ needs into the classroom which may include:
o Provide alternative assignments and presentations which do not rely heavily on speech.
o Teachers can encourage group work, this will foster cooperation between students and encourage division of labor, so that all students can contribute in what ways they are best at.
Useful Websites
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/o/orofacial-disorders
https://aomtinfo.org/myofunctional-therapy
https://csld.org/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders/
http://www.therapiesforkids.com.au/conditions/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders-omd/
https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/orofacial-myofunctional-therapy-program/
Resources (to use in and outside of the classroom)
https://www.utoledo.edu/education/grants/partnerproject/focus/docs/hs%20fact%20sheet%20speech.pdf (discuses several different speech disorders and what they entail)
http://www.therapiesforkids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ST-Information-Sheet-Orofacial-Myofunctional-Disorders-OMD.pdf (printout leaflet which breaks down OMD)
https://aomtinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/AOMT-brochure.pdf (FAQ book about OMD)
http://iaom.com/faq/ (Website offers an extensive overview of therapeutic information as well as visual images of the disorder)
Research
“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders.” Cincinnati Children’s, www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/o/orofacial-disorders.
This website focuses on the children affected by Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, separating the different aspects of the disorder from symptoms to possible treatment. It also offers databases of medical research conducted and healthcare professionals specializing in the disorder.
“What Is Myofunctional Therapy & Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?” Aomtinfo, Academy of Oralfacial Myofuntional Therapy, aomtinfo.org/myofunctional-therapy.
This website offers extensive knowledge on the disorder and therapeutic solutions. It also had additional information that can be used to inform others including printable informative booklets and research and practice consultants.
“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD).” Normal Speech & Language Development – School Age Children | Therapies For Kids, Therapies For Kids, 2018, www.therapiesforkids.com.au/conditions/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders-omd/.
This website offers numerous therapeutic programs for a number of aliments as well as specialists and programs that specialize in assisting children with disabilities.
“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders | Chicago, IL | Lombard, IL.” Center for Speech and Language Disorders, Center for Speech and Language Disorders, 2018, csld.org/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders.
This is a great resource; one reason is that it is a local organization. Located in Lombard it offers a great location for offering students with disorders therapeutic services.
Other Useful Information
How to Diagnose OMD in the classroom
There are several symptoms that may be OMD, but it is important to discuss concerns with parents or guardians and advise them on additional investigation when necessary, such as recommending seeking a speech-language pathologist. Below are some symptoms, though they may not always manifest in this manner.
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Chronic open-mouthed posture
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Tongue pushes against teeth or protrudes out of the mouth when swallowing
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Chewing food with lips open
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Tongue pushes between the teeth during speech
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Speech distortions, especially lisp (e.g., sock is pronounced thock)
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Front teeth that stick out
If there is concern a child may have OMD, it will need to be confirmed by a team of professionals which may include:
· a dentist
· an orthodontist
· a physician
· a speech-language pathologist
Causes of OMD
There is no single cause of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders but can result from a number of factors. The most common are allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other issues can cause chronic mouth breathing, which may lead children to develop abnormal mouth postures. Chronic negative oral habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, or teeth clenching and grinding and abnormalities like an overly large tongue or weak mouth muscles can also contribute to OMD. Some children may also have genetic tendencies toward these and other factors.