Publication:

The application of oral-motor learning principle in a patient with severe communication disabilities: a case study experience

This study explores the use of oral-motor learning principles in the rehabilitation of a 7 years 7 months-old male patient with severe intellectual disability secondary to spastic cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and visual impairment. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of these principles in improving communication abilities in patients with severe communication disabilities. The patient underwent 20 therapy sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, with the goal of achieving functional communication skills up to the single-word level (5-10 words) in clinical settings. Non-speech oral motor exercises were implemented using oral-motor sensory integration toolkits to improve vegetative functions and reduce sialorrhea and enhanced speech and language skills. Both tactile and speech kits were used concurrently. The study concludes that oral-motor sensory integration toolkits may serve as standardized tools for effectively addressing oral motor deficits in patients with similar conditions.