Tethered Oral Tissue(s) or TOTs is a topic that has been more frequently discussed in the fields of lactation, speech pathology, oral surgery, orofacial myology and otolaryngology. Organizations such as the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) have been highlighting this diagnosis and implications for therapy and surgery. There are three forms of TOTs: buccal, labial and lingual. Lingual TOTs is most commonly known as “tongue-tie” or “ankyloglossia”. The Mayo clinic in 2016 indicated that tongue-tie can affect the way a child eats, speaks and swallows, and can interfere with breast-feeding.
One of the driving factors in the increased interest in TOTs stems from current research linking sleep apnea to a short lingual frenulum, in addition to the increase awareness of the importance of breast feeding. With this topic comes some controversy, and speech pathologists are often left confused in their own role of diagnosing and treating TOTs.
This course explores the functional assessment of TOTs and reviews current well-respected assessment tools which describe structure. With these tools, Lori and Robyn have developed the Merkel-Walsh & Overland TOTs Protocol which looks at structure, oral motor function, pre-feeding, feeding and speech. Participants will learn to use this tool to identify the possible need for a TOTs referral, and the functional impact this diagnosis may have on feeding and speech. Their unique style of “task analysis” is a practical strategy for assessment that is immediately carried over into developing a treatment program for neuro-muscular re-education.
Participants will learn through the concept of task analysis the specific ways in which TOTs impacts the oral motor and oral placement skills for breast, bottle, cup, straw and solid feedings in addition to speech sound production. Videos and live practicums with attendee participation will provide therapeutic intervention tasks that participants can implement with their clients immediately. The importance of pre and post-surgical therapy will be discussed, and surgical techniques will be explored so that therapists may be have a better understanding of the current research across disciplines on an international level.
- Participants will be able to list three forms of TOTs.
- Participants will be able to identify at least 3-5 functional impacts of TOTs on feeding skills.
- Participants will be able to list at least 3 speech sounds that may be affected by TOTS.
- Participants will be able to list at least 2 professionals that should be consulted if TOTs is suspected after a functional assessment.
Target Audience: SLPs, OTs, IBCLC, dentists, surgeons, ENTs and RDHs.
While TalkTools welcomes all to attend and learn the course content, it is the responsibility of the professional to determine if applying the techniques fits within the scope of their practice.
Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus on treatment methods related to the use of TalkTools® OPT resources. Other similar treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.
This program is offered for 0.6 ASHA CEUs(Intermediate Level; Professional Area).AOTA CEUs: 0.6 (seeTalkTools ASHA CEU Policy and Process for more information). This program is approved by IAOM for 0.6 CEUs.
11500 Blankenbaker Access Drive Louisville, KY 40299
$259 Standard Rate - until 07/11/20
$289 Late Registration - 07/12/20 to day of
- Registration Only Includes: 0.6 ASHA/AOTA approved CEUs, course supplies,and certificate of completion.
- Registration + Textbook Includes:
- 25% off TOTs Book
- (book received at workshop location)