Heart in the Right Place

When I have time I try my best to read articles and blogs from all over the corners of the web.  Many of the pieces I find myself reading are what I have dubbed "Starter Pieces".  These starter pieces are typically written by a parent or professional who has their heart in the right place, are trying to get information out to other people for all the right reasons, but they fall short on completing the whole circle of information.  I'll give an example of one I recently read.

The /m/ Sound (and the rest of the blog itself) is a nice blog set up to pass along information, and frankly they have done a much better job of being dedicated and keeping up the depth of posts than I have. ;)  Regardless, the information is a place for a "mommy" to start [certain distinct sounds, exercises, quick tricks to try]. On the /m/ page, she does mention that some kids may have low tone and to "contact her for exercises", but doesn't address those kids with apraxia who may not be able to access the motor plan.  As a parent if I read that and my child couldn't do the work, I'm not sure I'd know where to go next.  Also, if you look into her blog at her "exercise" recommendations, they are the generic type...put your lips together over and over on a tongue depressor or straw to eliminate drooling. Did we forget that their may be sensory, jaw and tongue issues involved?

In my younger years I often felt that this information was misleading or doing a disservice on some level because I knew there was SO MUCH more information and training needed to address many of these issues.  However, today I feel differently, I feel encouraged that people will put themselves out there for review, for crticism and praise, and dedicate themselves - I know it takes a lot of time.  So if you find articles or blogs or have questions, pass them along, make comments on here, and I will do my best to continue closing the circle on as many Starter Pieces as I possibly can!

Parents Are the Linchpin

Good morning everyone!  I was reading a couple blogs this morning when I found a nice post regarding parents performing therapy at home.  More than a couple parents commented to the post stating how they often forget and feel bad for not performing therapy as a regimen.  Sometimes is takes support groups, reminder buddies, a beeping appointment on your phone - whatever it takes, PARENTS YOU ARE THE LINCHPINS!  Thank you for sharing and being honest, thank you for for stepping to the plate.  Your therapists cannot succeed without you.

Why Teach?

After 6 weeks on the road I am finally back in Tucson for a little R&R. Teaching my classes in Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) for Speech Clarity and Feeding is one of the joys of my life. Even though this takes me away from home I have felt for a long time that this is what I need to do at this stage in my career. Every once in a while I meet someone who confirms to me, once again, that I have indeed made the correct choice (I wish for everyone to have this experience in their careers).  I was teaching my “Three Part Treatment Plan for Oral-Motor Therapy” class in Springfield, Massachusetts in March.  Just as I was about to walk to the front of the room to begin a women in her mid-fourties rushed to the registration table totally out of breath. She had no idea who I was and said to me, “I have a terrible headache, my daughter is sick and I should be home with her. I have no idea why I am here as I am probably going to quit my job as speech therapy is no longer what I want to do. I didn’t sleep too well last night so forgive me if I rest my head on my arms and fall asleep.” My husband Phil, always the gentleman, led her to her seat and asked her if he could do anything for her.  She just needed rest.

At the end of the second day the same woman, who by the way never did fall asleep, came up to me. This time she took my hand and said, “You have changed my world. For the first time you have explained the science of speech therapy and I cannot wait to get back to my clients on Monday.” What a great day!

So my family and friends, now you know why when you call you never know if I will pick up the cell phone in Tucson or in Canada. Next stop… China.

Pediatrician’s Need to Know

I know it has been a long time since my last entry but I do have an excuse. This field of Oral Placement Therapy is getting so popular that I have had no time to sit down and write this blog. But...as my wonderful son-in-law Travis keeps telling me it is smething I need to keep up on. So my 2010 New Year's resolution (a bit late I must admit) is to write one time per week from now on. Yesterday I assessed a one year old baby with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. The child is uning a pronounced tongue thrust during function for feeding and for babbling. The mother askling me why her peditrician had not told her about my earluy intervention feeding techniques and I had no answer for her. I would love it if each of you would download this article (The Oral-Motor Myths of Down Syndrome - at bottom of page) and bring it to your pediatrician. If only one doctor reads it and gives it to one parent of a newborn with Down syndrome wouldn't that be terrific? Thanks for your help in spreading the word.

Setting up an evaluation time with me

I have to apologogize for not paying attention to my blog for the last month. To say I have been busy would be an understatement. ASHA was a terrific success and since I have been home the interest in my work has been overwhelming. I am feeling so good about this but must admit it is getting harded and harder to answer all of the emails. In response to the query about how to set up an appointment with me or one of the other TalkTools therapists... please go to the website: www.talktools.net and send us a message. It is going to be a very busy year with trips to Puerto Rico, Mexico City and China within the first few months of 2010 but I love what I do and teaching other therapists to use Oral Placement Therapy has become my passion. When I travel for teaching I do see kids for evaluations so do check the website. I just want to end by thanking each and every one of you for your support of my work and I wish for you a happy and a healthy New Year. Sara

Success at ASHA

Let me start by thanking all of you who supported me at my recent presentation at ASHA. What a thrill to stand up there with all of you smiling and cheering me on. The vidoes of the child I used to demonstrate the effectiveness of Oral Placement Therapy for children with the diagnosis of Down syndrome was terrific. For those of you interested here is my PowerPoint (bottom of page session # 2543) and I also included a single subject study available here Part 2 .

Reports from Scandanavia!

Cannot believe I am sitting her in Gothenburg, Sweden after a full day of teaching speech therapists here about TalkTools. The excitement is electric and they are so eager to try these techniques with their clients. After the class today we met friends for a dinner of salmon, potatoes and carrots. And they call this work... Life is good!