Myofunctional Disorder Support for Children
ETLC provides myofunctional disorder therapy for children in Johnston and North Liberty, IA — in person or virtually, helping children improve oral function and overall communication.
WHAT IS A MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER?
An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) is a disorder of the face, mouth, or lips that impacts structures, growth, and function. An OMD is an abnormal movement pattern within the face and mouth. OMDs can have a negative effect on talking, breathing, swallowing, and eating. They can also interfere with the growth and development of muscles and bones in the face and mouth. The cause of OMD is mostly unknown but can be caused by blocked nasal passages, prolonged sucking/chewing habits, or anything causing the tongue to lie on the bottom of the mouth at rest or difficulty keeping lips closed at rest.
What Can Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder Look Like?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders look different for everyone and can present symptoms at any age or stage in life. Often people experience symptoms their whole life and don’t even realize there is a problem. Some common signs and symptoms in children that could indicate intervention is needed include:
Limited tongue movement
Tongue thrust
Poor speech intelligibility
Excessive drooling
Mouth breathing
Eating that is excessively messy or difficult
Drooling past age two
Difficulty closing lips to swallow
Dental problems such as overbite/underbite
Tongue going past teeth when not talking
How Can ETLC Help?
Myofunctional therapy at ETLC works to improve movements of the tongue, mouth, and face associated with myofunctional disorder symptoms. Our therapy involves a rigorous exercise regimen along with individual training designed to strengthen specific muscles and foster healthy oral posture. Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving oral rest posture, nasal breathing, and improved articulation. Our therapists create an individualized plan to support these areas of need.
How Do I Get Started With Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center?
1. Start The Conversation
The first step is to reach out if you have a concern. Our intake process is designed to help families feel comfortable while also helping us understand the child’s needs.
We start with a conversation to gather background information, discuss questions, and help guide the family toward the best next step, whether that’s a screening, consultation, or formal evaluation.
2. Schedule a Consultation
Once scheduled, families complete an online intake to help our team tailor the evaluation to their specific concerns. We walk parents through the expected timeline and the specific areas being tested so there are no surprises.
After the evaluation, a dedicated consultation session is held to review the results and recommendations in detail and give you an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the next steps for your child.
3. Receive an Individualized Plan
Your child receives a custom treatment plan with specific, measurable goals based on their unique learning style.
Depending on the provider, our services may be fully covered by your insurance. If an evaluation is not covered by insurance or you have an out-of-network policy, we are very transparent about cost.
4. Watch Your Child Thrive
Through personalized one-on-one sessions, we help your child bridge developmental gaps and build confidence. Because every child presents differently, our support is highly individualized, and the duration of treatment is determined by your child’s age, their specific challenges, and their progress.
While research shows that intensive, ongoing intervention has the strongest results, most children meet their primary goals within an average of two years.
Why Choose ETLC?
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center provides an individualized program to target the skills that can help bridge the gap between frustration and success. We know Orofacial Myofunctional deficits can impact a healthy lifestyle. We believe every child deserves to thrive, and we know you want that too. Our specialists are trained in many research-based programs and strategies to create a plan specific to your child and their unique learning style. Together, we can help your child feel confident and successful!
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
Reach out today to schedule a consultation with ETLC's myofunctional disorder specialists in Johnston and North Liberty, IA — in person or virtually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD)?
An OMD is an abnormal movement pattern involving the muscles of the face and mouth that can affect talking, breathing, swallowing, and eating. It can also interfere with normal growth and development of the muscles and bones in the face and mouth.
What causes a myofunctional disorder?
The exact cause is often unknown, but common contributors include blocked nasal passages, prolonged sucking or chewing habits (like extended pacifier or thumb use), or patterns where the tongue rests too low in the mouth or the lips don't fully close at rest.
How do I know if my child needs myofunctional therapy?
Common signs include tongue thrust, mouth breathing, excessive drooling past age two, difficulty closing the lips to swallow, or dental issues like an overbite or underbite. If you're noticing several of these signs, a screening can help clarify whether therapy is needed.
What happens during myofunctional therapy?
Therapy involves a structured exercise program combined with individualized training designed to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, mouth, and face, improve oral rest posture, and support nasal breathing and clearer articulation.
Can myofunctional disorders affect speech?
Yes, because myofunctional disorders involve the same muscles used for speech production, they can contribute to speech sound errors or unclear articulation, which is why many myofunctional therapy plans are developed alongside speech-language pathologists.