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While oral-motor treatment approaches for neurologically impaired children have focused on severe feeding dysfunction, recent clinical work with children who have sensory processing/developmental dysfunction has revealed a strong association between subtle oral-motor and respiratory dysfunction and many sensory integrative and sensory-motor problems. A framework for understanding how and why many aspects of development are significantly influenced by oral functions will be presented.

This discussion will include the relationship of the suck/ swallow/breathe synchrony to behavior, learning, postural development, feeding, communication, arousal, self-regulation, psychosocial development and even common health issues in children. The relevance of this information to treatment principles with children who have sensory processing/developmental dysfunction will then be shared using slides, case examples, and participant lab activities. Documentation strategies for identifying abnormal function and demonstrating change through treatment will be provided. This information is particularly useful for occupational and physical therapists and speech pathologists working with children but may be applied across the age span.

At the end of this seminar, the participant will be able to…

1. Outline the evolution of the MORE Model, a developmental model based on foundations in neuroanatomy, kinesiology, child development, sensory motor function and clinical reasoning
2. Describe the interaction of cranial nerves, the limbic system, cerebellum, brainstem, etc. and their contribution to development of the SSB
3. Identify typical and atypical SSB oral motor development in children who have sensory processing/developmental dysfunction through functional observation
4. Apply treatment techniques designed to support oral motor function
5. Identify and document typical and atypical SSB respiratory development in children who have sensory processing/ developmental dysfunction through functional observation
6. Implement treatment strategies to improve respiratory patterns, self-regulation, postural control, visual motor skills, feeding and communication skills

• Straw
• Coffee Stirrer
• Napkin
• A few kernels of popped corn (popcorn)
• Warhead
• Fantale
• Liquorice
• Hubba Bubba
• Lemon Sherbie
• Chupa Chup
• Fireball - cinnamon jelly bean (or item similar hot with cinnamon taste)
• Skittles
• Pretzel

• Bird Water Whistle
• Balloon Ball Buddy
• Lip Siren Whistle
• Slide Whistle
• Magic Flute Straw
• The M.O.R.E Book
• Blow Darts
• Magic Ball Pipe
• Kazoo
• String Pipe Bottle
• Overball

What Previous Course Participants Say:

"Excellent knowledge and understanding of topic"- Aviva

"Unique focus and expertise"- Susan

This is what Gen Jereb had to say :

"The MORE course by Patti Oetter and Eileen Richter. This is a much more critical course than people realise - in order to hold onto to changes in regulation and integration we need to work on the 'tripod of the camera' - meaning THE CORE.

At the college we were taught that the core starts with proximal stability - but what you will learn in the MORE course is that you cannot ever get a core in the body if you don't have it in the mouth. You will never have good handwriting while you don't have stability in the mouth - try putting on mascara with a low-tone jaw - it's impossible to have dexterity and mostly has nothing to do with the muscles in your fingers. Your core development starts in your mouth - think of all our kids who did not get a seal or who had feeding problems and so on.

The MORE course also teaches extensively on respiration and posture - the two other elements that often throw us in treatment as therapists. When we get the comment "why does this kid look worse after movement?" The majority of time is because they are not breathing efficiently. I believe this to be a key critical course that will serve you well in your career. I promise."

About the presenters:                                         

Eileen Richter, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA

Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA

Course Modules

Screen Cast Descriptions: Module 1

Module 1A: Introduction to the Suck, Swallow, Breathe (SSB) Model (60 minutes)

Module 1B: Clinical Reasoning & Functional Anatomy (59:15)

Module 1 C: Neurological Substrates of the Suck/Swallow/Breathe Synergy (65 minutes + Bonus Content: 5 minutes)

Module 2: Oral Motor Components
Module 2A: Functional Anatomy of Sucking & Swallowing (47 minutes)
Module 2B: The SSB Synchrony – Feeding and Eating (35 minutes)
Module 2C: Taste, Texture, Fit Practicum (22 minutes, does not include participant practice time)
Module 2D: Oral Motor Assessment Issues (26 minutes)
Module 2E: Oral Motor Treatment Strategies Practicum (20 minutes, does not include participant practice time)
Module 2F: Postural Development (33 minutes)

Module 3: Respiration
Module 3A: The Relationship of Respiration to Function (32 minutes)
Module 3B: Biomechanics and Development of Respiration (55 minutes)
Module 3C: Blow Toys Practicum (25 minutes, does not include time for viewers to analyse their toys)
Module 3D: Assessment of Respiratory Function (40 minutes)
Module 3E: Hands on Respiration Practicum (36 minutes, does not include time for viewers to practice)
Module 3F: Functional Respiratory Treatment (75 minutes)