What Is Oral Placement Therapy?
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a structured, sensory–motor therapy approach designed to improve the oral-motor skills needed for speech clarity, feeding, chewing, and safe swallowing.
Unlike traditional speech therapy that focuses mainly on sound production, OPT targets jaw strength, lip closure, tongue movement, cheek coordination, and overall muscle function.
For children with articulation issues, speech delays, or feeding challenges, OPT helps build the physical foundation required for meaningful speech and efficient eating.
Why Is Oral-Motor Development Important?
Speech is a motor skill — similar to writing or walking. When the mouth muscles are weak, uncoordinated, or under-responsive (common in Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and developmental delays), it may affect:
- Clear articulation of sounds
- Chewing and swallowing
- Saliva control
- Drinking from a cup or straw
- Food acceptance and texture tolerance
- Overall speech intelligibility
OPT provides the tactile, sensory, and motor input needed to improve these functions.
Who Can Benefit from OPT?
OPT is effective for children and adults with:
- Minimal or non-verbal speech
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Oral-motor delays
- Drooling or open-mouth posture
- Feeding and swallowing difficulties
- Lisp or distorted sounds
- Genetic conditions like Down Syndrome
Tools Commonly Used in Oral Placement Therapy
Therapists use specialized, tactile tools to target specific oral-motor movements:
- Chewy tubes – Jaw strengthening
- Straws & horns – Lip rounding, breath control
- Bite blocks – Jaw stability & grading
- Tongue tools / depressors – Elevation, retraction, lateral movement
- Vibratory tools (Z-Vibe) – Sensory activation
- Whistles – Airflow coordination and lip closure
Tools are chosen based on each child’s motor plan using structured protocols such as TalkTools®.
OPT vs Traditional Speech Therapy
| Aspect | Traditional Speech Therapy | Oral Placement Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Sound correction, language | Oral strength, motor coordination |
| Method | Auditory & visual cues | Tactile & kinesthetic input |
| Best For | Mild–moderate articulation issues | Motor planning, low tone, sensory-based delays |
| Tools Used | Flashcards, repetition | Tubes, straws, bite blocks, vibration tools |
OPT is not a replacement for speech therapy — it complements it by preparing the mouth to move correctly.
Real-Life Example
Aarav, age 5, diagnosed with autism, came with:
- Drooling
- Poor lip closure
- Weak oral tone
- No clear speech sounds
- Refusal of most solid foods
After 8 months of combined speech therapy + OPT using chewy tubes, horn programs, and bite blocks:
✔ Improved lip closure and saliva control
✔ Started chewing soft solids without gagging
✔ Produced vowel sounds and began imitation
✔ Became more confident and expressive
Today, Aarav communicates better and eats comfortably — thanks to OPT.
OPT & Sensory Integration
Children with ASD or Sensory Processing Disorder often have:
- Oral hypersensitivity (gag easily)
- Avoidance of toothbrushing or certain textures
- Low oral awareness
OPT helps desensitize and activate oral sensory receptors, improving readiness for both feeding and speech.
When Should OPT Begin?
Early intervention creates the best outcome. Consider an oral-motor evaluation if your child shows:
- Frequent drooling
- Delayed or unclear speech
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Poor lip/tongue control
- Texture aversions or limited food choices
- Open-mouth posture
Role of Parents in OPT
Parent involvement significantly increases progress. Therapists will:
- Guide you on correct tool usage
- Provide a simple home program
- Track progress and modify techniques
- Ensure exercises are fun, safe, and goal-based
Most home activities require 10–15 minutes daily.
Key Benefits of Oral Placement Therapy
- Stronger oral muscles for clearer articulation
- Better chewing and swallowing skills
- Improved saliva control & lip closure
- Reduced gag reflex
- Improved food acceptance
- Higher confidence in communication
- Better foundation for language development
Final Thoughts
Children with speech and feeding issues often need more than repetition — they need muscle support and sensory input. OPT helps the mouth learn how to move before expecting it to produce speech.
If your child struggles with articulation, eating, or oral awareness, Oral Placement Therapy may be the missing piece.
Ready to Start OPT for Your Child?
Our center provides OPT-based oral-motor therapy using globally recognized tools and evidence-based methods.
Whether your child is non-verbal, has articulation issues, or feeding difficulties — we can help.
Book an oral-motor assessment today and start building the foundation for better speech and feeding.
