Myofunctional therapy is an exercise technique program used to correct the function of the tongue and orofacial muscles for proper resting posture, speech, and chewing/swallowing. When an individual presents with an orofacial myofunctional disorder, oftentimes their diet can become restricted due to deficiencies in the chewing pattern, bolus formation, and swallow pattern, as well as the reliance on an excessive amount of compensatory strategies. 
The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Myofunctional therapy will allow participants to understand what myofunctional therapy is and the benefits of myofunctional therapy for individuals presenting with a restricted dietary repertoire secondary to an orofacial myofunctional disorder. Gain insight on the exploding topic of myofunctional therapy from Janine Stiene, a speech-language pathologist specializing in myofunctional therapy for over 20 years, and Toni-Ann Antoniato, a speech-language pathologist specializing in myofunctional therapy for the last 11 years. Together, Janine and Toni-Ann, evaluate and treat orofacial myofunctional disorders across 8 offices on Long Island, as the largest myofunctional therapy provider in the State of NY. 

Participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the background of myofunctional therapy – the who, what, when, where, and why and specifically how it relates to a limited dietary repertoire. 
2. Identify the symptoms of an orofacial myofunctional disorder and individuals who are candidates to receive myofunctional therapy. 
3. Integrate myofunctional therapy goals in your practice and define the foundational skills of myofunctional therapy including tongue/jaw/lip dissociation and lingual strengthening exercises to support function for chewing, swallowing, and speaking. 

Instructor Details and Financial Disclosure 

• Janine Stiene, M.A., CCC-SLP, TSHH
• Toni-Ann Antoniato, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Registration

• Online ONLY for 1 learner -- ACCESS TO ONLINE COURSE (downloadable handout)

Timed Agenda

• 15 minutes: Overview – What is a tongue thrust/orofacial myofunctional disorder
• 15 minutes: Candidacy for myofunctional therapy 
• 30 minutes: Goals of myofunctional therapy; who can refer; who can treat
• 30 minutes: Myofunctional evaluation and therapy 
• 15 minutes: Case Study – case presentations on myofunctional therapy increasing a patient’s dietary repertoire 

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