Who is truly Qualified in Orofacial Myology???
Q: I hope you are doing well. Within another Facebook group, it was brought to my attention that other types of clinicians (mainly SLPs) who haven’t had Sandra’s(Neo-Health Service’s) training are purchasing Myo Manuals, calling themselves orofacial myologists and just taking children through all of the exercises in the manual. One example was of an SLP who had been working on articulation while also working through the Myo Manual. There has to be some type of paper or brochure that lets everyone know those of us who have been through the entire course work and training with Neo-Health. It pains me to know people don’t get the full on training in the four day course that is absolutely needed along with the Myo Manual in order to offer the complete therapy treatment. What can be done?
A: Hi, I definitely feel where you are coming from! The Myo Manual is literally all over the world and it seems that after any class that “others” teach, we get a run on all of our treatment materials and tools. We get emails complaining that no other organization is teaching people what to DO with their patients/clients/students, so they rush to purchase our products. This is one of the many reasons that we listened to our grads such as you and implemented the QOM, Qualification in Orofacial Myology designation… to differentiate our NHS grads from others worldwide. It is recognizable by others who are among our family of grads and when outsiders ask what it is, the QOMs among us are able to stress the high level of training they have received. The QOM is a relevant credential that demonstrates the awardee has taken the best level of training, uses and understands the most respected methods worldwide, is able to individualize their treatment programs to suit each client without using “cookbook” methods, and is part of a global group of respected graduates who share and are there for one another. We are in the process of creating a brochure for our QOMs that they can use for referral sources and clients/patients to show how and why they are outstanding therapists and are Qualified to do what they do. Have you requested the QOM exam yet? If not, please email: QOMexam@orofacialmyology.com and ask for it. I think our waiting list has finally dwindled down a bit and you should not have a long wait. It is a very doable exam and very appropriate and relevant, so in case you haven’t gotten it yet, don’t be terribly concerned or worried. It won’t take a long time to complete it as it is based on our class info, the Myo Manual, and our website info. Then you will be set for the clinical component that will lead you to the QOM! Sandra R. Holtzman MS, CCC/SLP, COM, QOM Director Neo-Health Services www.OrofacialMyology.com 954 461 1114