Presentation Information

The Integration of Feeding Skills: Oral Motor Patterns and Reflexes

• Speaker: Kristie Gatto , MA, CCC-SLP, COM
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

Babies are born with lips, tongues, jaws, cheeks and reflexes that were designed for natural acquisition of skills in feeding, drinking, facial expression and, in speech. Oral motor patterns are the functioning of these structures, whereas, the reflexes are the infant’s mode of survival. These skills occur naturally when the oral structure is intact. When abnormality to the anatomy occurs, maladaptive movements are created and compensatory strategies are learned. The infant, child, or adult modifies their muscle functioning to eat, drink, and speak that directly affects the appropriate integration of higher skills during these feeding milestones. This session will address the normal and abnormal oral motor patterns, feeding milestones and the natural integration of the reflexes.