As parents exploring support for an autistic child, you likely know about Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies. But there’s another specialized area that, while less commonly discussed, can be a really important piece of the puzzle: Myofunctional Therapy.
This therapy focuses specifically on the muscles of the face and mouth. Think about it: these muscles are constantly working for things we often take for granted, like breathing, swallowing, and even how we make sounds to speak. For some autistic children, these fundamental muscle functions can present subtle challenges that impact comfort and development. Learning about Myofunctional Therapy can open new avenues for support, even if you’re just starting to explore options.
Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized therapy designed to help the muscles of the mouth and face work correctly. It’s all about retraining habits and patterns of the tongue, lips, and jaw. Essentially, it helps ensure these muscles are strong, coordinated, and in the right position for everyday functions.
While not as widely known as other therapies, Myofunctional Therapy can offer some unique and important benefits:
Myofunctional therapy sessions involve a series of simple, repetitive exercises and techniques designed to strengthen and coordinate the oral muscles. These might include specific tongue movements, lip exercises, or techniques to encourage nasal breathing. Therapists guide the child through these activities and help them practice.
The great news is that many of these exercises can be easily practiced at home daily, making them a natural part of a child’s routine. It’s about consistency, building muscle memory, and making everyday functions smoother.
Myofunctional Therapy can be a good consideration for autistic children who show signs of oral motor challenges. This might include persistent mouth breathing, difficulties with chewing or swallowing, a noticeable tongue thrust, or speech clarity issues that seem to stem from weak or uncoordinated mouth muscles.
Myofunctional Therapy can be a valuable, though often overlooked, piece of the puzzle in supporting autistic individuals. By addressing the fundamental functions of the oral and facial muscles, it can contribute significantly to improved breathing, more comfortable eating, and potentially clearer speech. Ultimately, this leads to enhanced overall comfort and a better quality of life.
Disclaimer: This blog post shares general information and personal experiences about Myofunctional Therapy. It is not intended to be medical or therapeutic advice, and you should always consult with a qualified myofunctional therapist or other healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Next blog in this series: Music Therapy for Autistic Children: Finding Connections Through Sound and Rythm