Is orofacial myology appropriate for a baby with Down Syndrome?
Q: Our client has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. She is now 4.5 months, no real health issues, feeding/sleeping all on target and she has strong muscle tone. The only thing I’m monitoring is her tongue protrusion, and open jaw stance. I also think she has a suspected lip tie that I want confirming.
I’ve done a large amount of research and have been exploring various methods of early intervention to help speech/eating as she gets older. I came across Orofacial Myology therapy, so just wanted to reach out to get an idea of the treatment/services. Is orofacial myology appropriate for a baby with Downs Syndrome? Let me know if it makes sense to do a call with you. Thanks in advance for your help and always being there.
A: There is not much more we can do as orofacial myologists with a baby, even one who has no syndrome or other conditions, so you are wise to be monitoring the areas of concern that you described. The best we can do as orofacial myologists is the following:
1. If you are confident in being able to diagnose ankyloglossia in such a young baby, that is one possibility. I mention this because you said you suspect lip tie and frequently they coexist; otherwise, try to find someone who is able to do it.
2. Explain to the mother why it is necessary and normal for a baby with Down Syndrome to have the open mouth, tongue forward position. We explained this in class and you can also search on our website with keywords to review. Go to https://orofacialmyology.com and into the search bar put Down Syndrome and read all that comes up and that will be a big help for you. I am also here if you have additional questions.
In this instance, the internet might have been a downfall for the mom since she is reading a conglomeration of information that does not all “go together” and might not clarify the ages, the type of therapy that is appropriate in various situations, etc. Her best bet is to stick with a speech pathologist with background in oral motor and language and provide the baby with as much as can be provided and as early as possible. But that will not be orofacial myology but rather specialized areas of speech therapy that not every speech therapist can address.
