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Debbie's Blog

Teaching the Concept of Biting and Chewing

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 22nd Feb 2012

For infants, learning how to bite and chew is a crucial stage of feeding development.  At approximately 5-6 months of age, babies begin using their fingers and mouths for oral exploration usin … read more

Gum Massage for Oral Stimulation

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 6th Jan 2012

Gum massage is a simple yet effective way to provide oral stimulation to a large surface area within the mouth.  This tactile input can: •  help decrease oral aversions for hypersens … read more

G-Tube Advice

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 29th Dec 2011

Question:  I am a mother to a baby who is 6.5 months old, corrected age.  He was born at 29 weeks gestational age.  Because of being on a high level of O2 support for a long period o … read more

How to Teach Straw Drinking

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 9th Nov 2011

1.  To start, cut a regular straw in half.  Not only is a shorter straw easier to handle, but it also takes less strength for a child to suck liquid from a shorter straw. 2.  Dip t … read more

Tongue Lateralization and Protrusion

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 27th Sep 2011

Question:  Do you have a tool to increase tongue protrusion and tongue lateralization? We do!  ARK's  Oro-Navigator was specifically created to help individuals "get" the conce … read more