What Is It?
The mouth plays an important role in feeding, chewing, drinking, swallowing, speech production, and overall oral awareness. Some children may experience difficulties with the strength, coordination, stability, or awareness of the muscles involved in these activities.
Oral Placement Therapy® (OPT) is a structured approach that uses carefully selected activities and tools to support the development of oral motor skills required for feeding and functional communication.
What Parents May Notice
Parents may notice that their child:
- Is an extremely selective eater
- Has difficulty chewing certain foods
- Prefers only specific textures
- Experiences challenges drinking from cups or straws
- Has reduced oral awareness
- Avoids trying new foods
- Has difficulty managing food within the mouth
- Demonstrates oral motor weakness
Therapy is individualized to support improved oral motor function, feeding skills, and participation during mealtimes.
Areas Commonly Supported
- Feeding Skills
- Oral Motor Development
- Chewing and Drinking Skills
- Oral Awareness
- Food Exploration
- Mealtime Participation
- Oral Strength and Coordination
- Functional Oral Motor Skills