Oral Motor Difficulties – Panasséa – Pediatric Therapy Centre in Malta

Understanding Oral Motor Difficulties: Personalized Therapy for Feeding, Speech, and Comfort

Every child deserves the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. At Panasséa, we offer expert, compassionate support for families navigating oral motor difficulties. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or seeking ongoing care, we’re here to guide and support your child every step of the way.

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What are Oral Motor Difficulties?

Oral motor difficulties refer to challenges with the movements of the muscles in the mouth, jaw, tongue, and lips. These muscles are essential for functions like eating, speaking, breathing, and facial expression. When they don’t work properly, children may struggle with feeding, speech clarity, drooling, and other everyday tasks.

Oral motor difficulties can be present on their own or as part of a broader diagnosis, such as:

Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Developmental Delays
Genetic or neurological conditions

Common symptoms may include:

Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
Poor lip closure or tongue movement
Speech delays or unclear articulation
Excessive drooling
Gagging or food aversions

Therapy can significantly improve function, safety, and confidence, helping children enjoy meals, communicate clearly, and engage more fully in daily life.

Quick Facts:

Often first noticed during early feeding milestones or speech delays
Can impact nutrition, safety, communication, and self-esteem
Early intervention helps promote healthy development and independence

Why Choose Panasséa?

Specialized Therapy That Adapts to Your Child

At Panasséa, we understand the deep impact oral motor difficulties can have on daily life. Our experienced therapists provide gentle, evidence-based support to help your child eat and speak with more ease and comfort.

Integrated Therapy Approach: We blend feeding therapy, speech therapy, and sensory support into a personalized plan.
Pediatric Expertise: Our team specializes in supporting children with oral motor challenges related to a wide range of conditions.
Whole-Family Support: We teach caregivers safe and effective strategies to practice at home.
Flexible Therapy Options: In-person sessions, home programs, and virtual consultations are all available.
Empowering Results: We track progress and adapt strategies to ensure your child keeps moving forward.

Services We Offer

Therapy Designed Around Your Child’s Needs

Speech and Language Therapy:
- Supports clear articulation, oral strength, coordination, and breath control for effective communication.
Feeding Therapy:
- Helps children improve chewing, swallowing, and oral tolerance for different textures. We also address sensory feeding challenges and food aversions.
Occupational Therapy (OT):
- Supports self-regulation, posture, and sensory processing that impact oral motor tasks.
Oral Motor Exercises & Tools:
- Includes techniques and tools (like chewy tubes or vibration devices) to strengthen muscles and support oral awareness.
Parent & Caregiver Coaching:
- We train parents in safe feeding techniques, oral care routines, and how to reinforce therapy goals at home.

Explore Our Services in Detail

Understanding the Journey

How We Work With You

Initial Consultation:
- We meet with you to understand your child’s history, feeding and communication challenges, and family goals.
Comprehensive Evaluation:
- We assess oral structures, muscle tone, coordination, swallowing, and speech skills to create a full picture of your child’s needs.
Personalized Therapy Plan:
- A detailed plan of action including targeted therapy goals, session frequency, and recommended home strategies.
Ongoing Care & Review:
- We monitor progress, celebrate wins, and adjust techniques as your child grows and gains new skills.

Common Questions:

Is this a feeding issue or a sensory issue?
Many children have both. We assess whether the root cause is physical, sensory, or behavioral—and tailor therapy accordingly.
Will my child outgrow oral motor problems?
Some may improve with age, but most benefit from guided therapy to avoid long-term difficulties with speech or nutrition.
Is it safe to practice exercises at home?
Yes—with proper training. We equip caregivers with safe, effective tools and monitor progress together.
Does drooling mean something is wrong?
Not always—but if it’s frequent or affects hygiene, therapy can help improve oral control and awareness.

FAQ

Q: Can oral motor therapy help with speech delays?
A: Yes. Strengthening and coordinating the oral muscles is often essential for improving speech clarity and expression.

Q: How young can my child start therapy?
A: We work with infants as young as a few months old, especially if they have difficulty feeding or poor muscle tone.

Q: Will therapy help my child eat more foods?
A: Therapy can increase oral tolerance, reduce gagging, and improve confidence, often leading to a broader and more enjoyable diet.

Q: Do you work with children who use feeding tubes?
A: Yes. We support children on G-tubes or NG-tubes, helping them build oral skills and transition toward oral feeding when appropriate.