Most children with speech delay or feeding problems need more than typical therapy. They need to understand more deeply—how movement of the mouth translates into sound production and function. That is where Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) can help.
At Rainbow Child Development Center, our mission is to prepare each child to communicate and feed independently. Oral Placement Therapy programs at our center target bridging the gap between speech motor skills and speech production through the use of both touch and sensory feedback.
In a customized and supportive setting, we allow children to become in charge of their oral muscles, feel confident, and thrive in their lives.
Oral Placement Therapy isn't a technique, it's a technique that creates actual, measurable change. It works to help children in ways that standard speech therapy is unable to.
We have observed that the majority of children are aware of what they need to say. Yet, during speaking, their words will not be produced. This could be due to weak or badly coordinated oral muscles. Oral Placement Therapy strengthens these muscles with directive, movement-based training. Engaging and enjoyable activities using tools like straws, horns, and bubbles are employed to induce precise sound production. The child progresses step by step with this treatment to clarify, articulate, and control.
Some children have trouble chewing, they really struggle to swallow too and manage food in their mouths. These are very frustrating and can lead to nutritional and health issues. OPT works with the oral muscles involved in feeding. Tongue, lips, jaw and builds strength and coordination for easier and safer eating. Parents usually notice changes in eating within a few sessions.
Sensory processing challenges could cause children to avoid a certain texture or easily gag. Oral Placement Therapy allows sensory input on a controlled basis so that the child can adapt to it and react with glee. They learn to be tolerant of touch within and around the mouth and therefore increase food tolerance as well as facilitate the production of speech sounds.
Both in feeding and communication, it is important.
Kids who struggle with feeding or speech usually discover frustration, anxiety, or social avoidance. With added physical skills through OPT, so too comes confidence. They now speak more at ease, enjoy mealtimes, and interact more at home and school. Not only physical—a shift emotionally and socially as well.
Our Oral Placement Therapy services in Rainbow Child Development Center are individually focused and holistic in approach. We use a wide variety of tools, techniques, and strategies as applicable to each individual child.
Children progress through a series of mouth exercises that exercise the lips, jaw, tongue, and facial muscles. They are enjoyable but not silly exercises. They instruct the muscles necessary for proper speech and feeding. From blowing bubbles to the use of chew tools, each activity has a purpose.
When a child gains more control over the mouth muscles, we bridge these skills into speech sounds. This movement-to-sound transition is important. We bring children from isolated exercises to communication in daily life—words, phrases, and conversations.
We teach children to accept new textures, successful chewing, and protective swallowing. Food trials, chew practice, or jaw stability exercises may be treated. In the case of oral aversions or selective eating, this is gradual and closely monitored.
Our therapists use multisensory input—touch, sound, and visual cues—to facilitate children's comprehension and response. This integration provides increased awareness and enhances the relationship between action and consequence.
Choosing the right therapy center is an important decision. At Rainbow Child Development Center, we specialize in delivering results with care and professionalism.
Each child is unique. For that reason, we design a personalized Oral Placement Therapy program for each child according to his or her current abilities and future goals. We assess, plan, and modify in steps. We track progress, and each small victory is noted.
Our therapists are oral placement therapy-trained. They both have clinical training and hands-on experience. That's your child getting expert treatment, whether he or she needs help with feeding, speech, or both. We stay updated with the latest research and procedures to deliver the best treatments.
Child therapy works if children are comfortable and supported. Our center is designed with calm settings, enjoyable sessions, and respectful direction. Children are not rushed, but relaxed. We take time to build trust, which yields better results. Parents are welcome to observe or participate in sessions when possible.
We believe that therapy doesn't stop at the clinic door. We work with families to give home strategies, practice habits, and communication to carry forward. Children learn more quickly and feel more secure when their families are involved.
The effect of Oral Placement Therapy resonates far beyond better speech or enhanced feeding. It transforms lives.
Children learn to ask for what they require. They enjoy having dinner with the family. They smile more, speak more clearly, and feel understood. They play with peers, answer questions in school, and laugh freely.
Speech and feeding difficulties can be hard but need not define your child. Oral Placement Therapy enables you to give your child the skills they need. We support you both physically and emotionally.
Rainbow Child Development Center is committed to offering individualized care. We provide effective therapy that generates meaningful change. We employ experienced staff who establish a nurturing environment and a family-centered approach that offers your child the best opportunity for success.
If you're open to seeing real changes in your child's feeding and communication abilities, we can help.
Contact Rainbow Child Development Center today to learn more about our Oral Placement Therapy programs. Let's work together to reveal the full potential in your child.
Monday: 9am to 8pm
Tuesday: 9am to 8pm
Wednesday: 9am to 8pm
Thursday: 9am to 8pm
Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed