Is 3 years old candidate for tonsil/adenoid removal for apnea or not?

Hey Sandra, Hope all is well. I had  call from mother with a 3 year old whose SLP diagnosed child with apraxia and is a mouth breather. Also had sleep study and has mild apnea. They are planning on tonsil/adenoid removal for apnea. Is this a case Myofunctional  and should be seen? Thanks,  J W DDS  

Is he “just” three or nearly “four”?  He isn’t a candidate for typical myo, but after the T & A, there might be a few very simple exercises that an older three year old could do just to get used to having a  clear airway and a tongue that finally doesn’t have to hang down or forward or out in order to try to increase airway space.  Being that he has apraxia, he might not be able to do some or much that is asked of him regarding lingual, labial, and mandibular movement. Without apraxia,  I would work on only what is reasonable for a three year old to do:  Open mouth and hold it open (Mouth prop if possible) as he touches the lip corners, trying not to move mandible (might be difficult for young three year old); try to touch upper teeth on inside or even the cutting edges; transfer food (could be a malted ball or something similar) from one side to the other; lick around lips, etc.  Not much else you can do If he is seeing an SLP for the apraxia,  you could speak with her or have mom do so to encourage oral movement, chewing, etc. That’s about all I can contribute with this particular kiddo considering his age and particulars.  I hope it is  helpful …