Sidebar Sidebar Sidebar

Thumb Sucking Side Effects + Strategies to Help

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 28th Feb 2014

Question:  I have a client (5-years) who sucks her thumb.  She has a lisp and produces most of her consonants while protruding her tongue.  I perfectly understand that unless we resolve the thumb sucking, the protrusion will not going to go away, but her parents are not on the same page as me.  What techniques would you recommend to decrease the thumb sucking? .  You …
read more

5 Reasons Why Playing with Food Can Lead to Trying New Foods

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 30th Jan 2014

We've all heard the popular "Don't play with your food!" mantra. But contrary to popular belief, playing with food is actually a wonderful way for kids to learn about and discover new foods. Why? . .  1.  Trying a new food can be stressful, particularly for kids with sensory issues and/or food aversions. If you introduce a new food through play, you're removing the pressure/anxi …
read more

Using Gross Motor for Oral Motor - How Trunk Turning Exercises Can Improve Tongue Lateralization

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 18th Dec 2013

Tongue lateralization is the ability to move the tongue from side to side inside the mouth.  It's an important skill for feeding therapy and development, as the tongue lateralizes in order to manipulate food to be chewed and formed into a ball (or bolus) before swallowing.  It's also how we go "fishing" for leftover food particles in the cheeks, around the gums and teeth, and on th …
read more

Oral Sensitivities and Low Tone in Children with Down Syndrome

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 11th Dec 2013

Question:  I have a 12 day old infant with diagnosed Down Syndrome. She has moderate tongue protrusion. A friend suggested your products.  I was wondering which ones you recommend and any suggestions you might have?  Thank you for your help with this! . .  Dear New Mom, although each child is different, there are several goals that I usually work on: . ORAL SENSITIVITIES In my …
read more