Communication is the engine of learning. When a child (or adult) can’t access, produce, or understand language efficiently, the ripple effects show up across the school day — participation, reading, writing, working memory, test-taking, group projects, even behavior. At the Center for Orofacial Myology (CFOM) we take a holistic, evidence-informed approach: addressing the orofacial structures and functions that support speech first, then layering targeted speech-language therapy. The result is clearer speech, stronger language, better literacy, improved executive skills, and — ultimately — better academic outcomes.
If you’re wondering whether speech therapy could help your child succeed in school, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions and help you decide. Call (208) 793-7006 to schedule your consultation today.
Why speech matters for learning (and why it’s not “just” talking)
More than 10% of children have a communication disorder — one of the most common developmental concerns. Communication underpins virtually every academic task:
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Understanding teacher instructions (receptive language)
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Expressing knowledge on tests or during class (expressive language)
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Decoding and spelling words (phonological awareness)
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Following multi-step math problems (working memory and sequencing)
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Collaborating on group projects and making friends (social/pragmatic skills)
A child who struggles to pronounce sounds, organize a spoken story, or process classroom language faces barriers that are unrelated to intelligence but directly influence grades, confidence, and classroom engagement.
Orofacial myology and speech: why we start with the muscles and posture
Many speech difficulties are rooted in how the tongue, lips, and jaw work together. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) — a.k.a. dysfunctional oral resting posture, tongue thrust, restricted tongue mobility, or weak oral musculature — can distort common sounds (/s/, /z/, /r/, /l/, /t/, /d/, /n/, /sh/, /ch/, /j/) and interfere with clear, automatic speech.
At CFOM we frequently see that traditional articulation drills are limited in effectiveness if the underlying oral function isn’t addressed. That’s why our model often begins with myofunctional therapy to:
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Correct oral resting posture (lips closed, tongue resting on the palate)
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Improve tongue mobility and strength
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Normalize swallow patterns and reduce tongue thrusting
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Re-train coordinated oral movements used for speech
When oral function is corrected first (or simultaneously), speech therapy is faster, more durable, and less frustrating for families.
How speech therapy improves specific academic skills
Articulation & classroom participation
Children with unclear speech may avoid answering questions, reading out loud, or contributing in class because they’re worried about being misunderstood. By improving articulation and intelligibility, speech therapy increases participation — which directly supports learning and teacher perception of ability. (By age 4, a child’s speech should be understood roughly 90% of the time by unfamiliar listeners; persistent unintelligibility merits evaluation.)
Language (expressive and receptive)
Language is the scaffolding of thought. Therapy strengthens vocabulary, sentence structure, and the ability to follow complex instructions. Students who can organize and express ideas clearly are better able to complete essays, explain reasoning on math problems, and participate in discussions that deepen comprehension.
Phonological awareness and literacy
Early language skills predict reading success. Speech-language therapy targets phonological awareness (identifying and manipulating sounds), a foundational skill for decoding, spelling, and word recognition. For struggling readers, combining speech-language therapy with a structured phonics program (for example, multisensory, language-based approaches) can close gaps and support comprehension.
Executive functioning: attention, working memory, planning
Speech therapy doesn’t only target sounds and words — it also trains cognitive-communication skills. Goals like telling an organized story, sequencing steps to solve a problem, or using self-monitoring strategies directly support classroom tasks that rely on planning, organization, and working memory.
Social/pragmatic skills and classroom behavior
Communication shapes social relationships. Therapy that targets conversation skills, perspective-taking, and pragmatic rules helps children make friends, follow classroom routines, and reduce behavior problems linked to frustration or misunderstanding. Improved social skills often translate into greater engagement and better test performance.
What an evaluation and therapy plan looks like at CFOM
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Comprehensive evaluation
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Orofacial myofunctional assessment: resting posture, tongue mobility, swallow pattern, oral strength.
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Standardized and informal speech-language testing: articulation, expressive/receptive language, phonological awareness, pragmatics, and cognitive-communication as needed.
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Listening to the child in natural contexts (conversation, reading aloud, classroom-style tasks).
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Collaborative treatment plan
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If an OMD is present, we prioritize myofunctional therapy to establish a functional oral foundation.
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Speech-language goals are integrated: articulation targets, language therapy, literacy strategies, and executive-function supports.
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Home practice plans, caregiver coaching, and teacher recommendations for classroom carryover.
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Regular progress checks
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Measured gains in intelligibility, language use, reading/phonological skills, and functional classroom behaviors.
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Adjustments to therapy frequency and strategies as skills evolve.
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What to expect during sessions
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Sessions are engaging and age-appropriate. For young children we use play-based activities, visual cues, and multisensory approaches. Older children and adults work with explicit instruction, practice tasks linked to schoolwork, and strategies for self-monitoring.
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Myofunctional therapy sessions include oral exercises, tongue mobility work, and habit-retraining (for swallowing and resting posture).
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Speech therapy sessions focus on accurate sound production, language building, phonological awareness, and functional classroom skills.
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We work closely with parents and teachers so gains transfer to home and school.
Who benefits — and when to seek help
Speech therapy at CFOM helps:
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Preschool and school-age children with articulation, language delays, reading struggles, or social/pragmatic challenges.
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Students with persistent misarticulations that affect classroom participation or assessment.
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Children with tongue-tie, restricted tongue mobility, or abnormal swallow patterns interfering with speech or oral function.
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Teens and adults seeking clearer speech, stronger language skills, or improved vocal function.
If you notice frequent misunderstandings, avoidance of speaking in class, trouble reading or following instructions, or persistent oral habits (mouth breathing, tongue thrust), it’s time for an evaluation.
Real-world outcomes (what families often report)
Families who engage in our combined myofunctional + speech therapy approach typically report:
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Faster improvement in target sounds and clearer, more automatic speech.
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Increased willingness to participate in class and improved teacher interactions.
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Gains in reading fluency and spelling accuracy when phonological goals are targeted.
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Better behavior linked to reduced frustration and improved social skills.
(We respect privacy and use anonymized, composite examples in materials; your clinician will discuss expected timelines tailored to your child.)
Working with schools and teachers
We provide recommendations and classroom strategies teachers can implement: visual supports, modified questioning, small-group accommodations for reading aloud, and strategies to reinforce language goals. CFOM can prepare simple teacher-friendly summaries to help ensure consistent carryover.
If you are an educator or school administrator interested in classroom training or presentations about orofacial myology and its impact on learning, contact us — we’ll tailor a session for staff and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long until I see improvement?
A: Every child is different. With consistent therapy and home practice, many families notice improved clarity and functional gains within weeks to months; deeper skills like reading or executive-function changes take longer and require continued practice and coordination with school.
Q: Will my child need surgery (tongue-tie release) to improve speech?
A: Not always. Some restrictions in tongue mobility respond to therapy alone; others may benefit from a coordinated approach that can include a frenectomy followed by targeted therapy. We evaluate each case and coordinate with qualified providers when medical intervention may be helpful.
Q: Do you work with older children and adults?
A: Yes — we treat individuals across the lifespan. It’s never too late to improve communication skills that support school, work, and social life.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Call (208) 793-7006 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk about your concerns, outline next steps, and, if appropriate, arrange a comprehensive evaluation.
Ready to take the next step? — Free 15-minute consultation
If concerns about speech are affecting school, confidence, or daily communication, the best next step is a brief, no-cost consultation to see if speech therapy at the Center for Orofacial Myology is right for your child or family member.
Call us now at (208) 793-7006 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. During that call we’ll:
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Hear your concerns and the specific academic or communication challenges you’re seeing.
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Explain our evaluation and treatment approach (including myofunctional therapy when indicated).
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Recommend next steps, whether that’s an in-clinic evaluation, home strategies, or school recommendations.
Final thoughts
Communication skills are the backbone of learning. Addressing the muscular and functional foundations of speech through orofacial myology — and coupling that work with targeted speech-language therapy — gives students the clarity, confidence, and cognitive tools they need to succeed academically. At the Center for Orofacial Myology we combine clinical expertise, individualized care, and family-centered coaching to help learners thrive.
Call (208) 793-7006 today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and find out whether speech therapy at CFOM is the right next step for your child or family member. We’re here to help you turn communication challenges into academic strengths.