Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances. One type of an OMD is Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs). TOT(s) is a congenital remnant(s) of tissue that may restrict movement and cause functional impact across the lifespan. TOTs are either too short, too tight, too thick and/or in an atypical location (Merkel-Walsh & Overland, 2020).

Since 2018, it seems that discussion of TOTs is everywhere from conferences, conventions, even national newspapers and TV. But what are the facts?  Why is there an increase in diagnosis and surgery? Where do new clinicians and those without orofacial myology training go for help?

Lori and Robyn with 60+ years of experience have you covered. From their groundbreaking book to papers in peer reviewed journals, the research has been thoroughly vetted. Learn how TOTs may impact any of the 4 MYO Domains™ including airway, feeding & swallowing, structure and speech.

This class will include the science behind assessment and treatment and provide beginners with support on learning how to recognize signs and symptoms of TOTs, and a baseline for understanding how recognizing TOTs can lead to proper referrals, and the treatment of the root cause of functional challenges.  This includes lisps, picky eating, breastfeeding complications, poor sleep and additional comorbidities. Each section will include evidence based analysis using all three of the ASHA evidence based pillars to include client perspectives, clinical data and external/internal evidence across the five tiers of research. 

1. Licensed professionals will be able to list at least 2 signs and symptoms of TOTs.
2. Licensed professionals will be able to define TOTs.
3. Licensed professionals will list 2 high quality studies that show frenectomy is evidence based. 

• Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCC-SLP/COM®

Registration Fees

• Online ONLY for 1 learner -- ACCESS TO ONLINE COURSE FOR 365 DAYS/1 YEAR (2-hour CE course, downloadable handout)

Schedule

Timed Agenda

• 8:30-8:40 AM: 10 minutes: Introduction
• 8:40-9:00 AM: What are TOTs?
• 9:00-9:30 AM: What are the 4 MYO Domains?
• 9:30-10:00 AM: The Impact on TOTs on Airway
• 10:00-10:40 AM: The Impact of TOTs on Feeding & Swallowing
• 10:40-10:50 AM: BREAK
• 10:50-11:20 AM: The Impact of TOTs on Structure
• 11:20-12:00: The Impact of TOTs on Speech
• 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00-2:00 PM: Assessment Basics
• 2:00-2:10 PM: Break
• 2:10-3:10 PM: Therapeutic Intervention Basics
• 3:10-3:40 PM: Video Presentations
• 3:40-3:50 PM: Conclusions
• 3:50-4:00 PM: Q & A

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Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus on treatment methods related to the use of TalkTools® resources. Other similar treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.

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