There may be articulation problems or incorrect speech patterns observed with a patient who has an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder. For example when a patient demonstrates a tongue thrust, a frontal or lateral lisp may be produced due to the incorrect position of the tongue in the mouth. Specific sounds can become misarticulated or distorted such as as /s/, /z/, /sh/, /ch/, /j/, /t/, /d/, /l/, and /r/.
When a patient demonstrates incorrect tongue and lip resting postures, therapy to correct articulation problems may be warranted. Research has found an 81% prevalence rate of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in children who exhibit articulation problems, compared to a prevalence rate of 38% in the general population (source: IAOM).
As a Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist, I can address any articulation problems that may coincide with the presenting Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder.