Non‐speech oral motor treatment issues related to children with developmental speech sound disorders

Abstract

. Ruscello D. M. ( 2008 ) , 39 , 380 – 391 . DOI: 10.1044/0161‐1461(2008/036) . Purpose This paper examines non‐speech oral motor treatments (NSOMTs) in the population of clients with developmental speech sound disorders. NSOMTs are a collection of non‐speech methods and procedures that claim to influence tongue, lip and jaw resting postures; increase strength; improve muscle tone; facilitate range of motion; and develop muscle control. In the case of developmental speech sound disorders, NSOMTs are employed before or simultaneous with actual speech production treatment.Method First, NSOMTs are defined for the reader, and there is a discussion of NSOMTs under the categories of active muscle exercise, passive muscle exercise and sensory stimulation. Second, different theories underlying NSOMTs along with the implications of the theories are discussed. Finally, a review of pertinent investigations is presented.Results The application of NSOMTs is questionable due to a number of reservations that include: (1) the implied cause of developmental speech sound disorders; (2) neurophysiologic differences between the limbs and oral musculature; (3) the development of new theories of movement and movement control; and (4) the paucity of research literature concerning NSOMTs.Clinical implication There is no substantive evidence to support NSOMTs as interventions for children with developmental speech sound disorders.