DOES INSURANCE COVER THERAPY?

Yes, most medical insurance plans cover a speech pathology evaluation. Most medical plans will require a referral from a primary care physician/pediatrician to cover therapy. Most medical insurance plans require a deductible to be met prior to paying for therapy services. Once that deductible has been met, then only a copay is required at the time of the visit. Our administrative assistant Tera Miller will check insurance benefits when scheduling appointments.

MY SON IS A TEENAGER AND CAN’T SAY SOME OF HIS SPEECH SOUNDS. IS IT TOO LATE FOR THERAPY?

No, speech therapy to correct speech sounds is never too late. While a ‘speech normalization boundary’ has been reported at 8.5 years of age, it is possible to learn and habituate new sound patterns utilizing our sensory-motor approach. Daily practice is required.

MY 2 YEAR OLD IS NOT TALKING. THE PEDIATRICIAN WANTS TO ‘WAIT & SEE”.

There is no harm to having your child participate in a speech and language evaluation to determine specific strengths and weaknesses as well as provide parents with information regarding ideal developmental skills and ways to support communication skills at home.

DOES OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY WORK?

Research studies have found between 81-100% maintenance of new skills up to 5 years after the completion of therapy (Hahn & Hahn, 1992). Older children and adults tend to maintain their skills better than younger children.

HOW COMMON ARE OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS?

Research has found myofunctional variables present in 38% of the general population and 66% in orthodontic patients. (Kellum, 1992).

WHAT CAUSES AN OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER?

Research has found no single cause of OMD's but strong correlations have been found with the 2 most common being:

• Airway interference contributing to chronic mouth breathing/impaired nasal breathing
• Prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits

Structural and motor differences such as tongue tie, narrow maxillary arch, can also contribute.