What is Oral Placement Therapy?
Image Source: https://thespeechclinic.ae/
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What is Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a special kind of therapy that focuses on teaching the specific mouth movements needed for clear speech and eating. It can help a wide range of people, including those with Down Syndrome. What sets OPT apart from regular speech therapy is that it incorporates not just listening and watching, but also feeling the movements. By adding touch and body awareness, it helps clients better understand and replicate the movements they need. This kind of therapy can be really useful for people who struggle with getting their mouth movements right during speech therapy.
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It aims to boost awareness of the mouth's movements, where it places (how it moves, how much force it uses, and in what direction), stability, and the ability to remember these movements - all crucial for clear speech. By strengthening muscles, coordinating movements, and raising awareness, people can improve not only how clearly they speak but also their ability to eat and their overall control over mouth movements.
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Who can Benefit from Oral Placement Therapy
The following conditions can benefit from Oral Placement Therapy (OPT):
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Autistic Spectrum Disorders
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Down Syndrome
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Cerebral Palsy
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Feeding Difficulties
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Apraxia of Speech
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Syndromes including Rett Syndrome
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For individuals who struggle to copy certain movements by just listening and watching, such as "Look, listen, and do what I do".
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For those who find it challenging to understand and follow instructions like "Put your lips together" to make specific movements.
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For individuals who benefit more from a hands-on, touch-based method.
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Oral Placement Therapy @ Little Sparks
We are happy to have Licensed Therapists who are certified to provide OPT Therapy. Contact us should you wish to know more on how can this help your child or ask your current OT if your child would benefit from Oral Placement Therapy.
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