Beckman Oral Motor Therapy (BOMT) is a specialized form of speech therapy that focuses on improving speech production by targeting the underlying muscle weakness or dysfunction that may be contributing to speech difficulties. BOMT is named after its founder, Debra Beckman, a speech-language pathologist who developed this innovative approach to speech therapy.
BOMT is designed to improve the strength, coordination, and range of motion of the muscles used in speech production. These muscles include the lips, tongue, cheeks, jaw, and palate. By strengthening these muscles and improving their coordination, individuals can achieve greater control over their speech, resulting in clearer articulation, better pronunciation, and improved vocal quality.
BOMT is often used to address a variety of speech disorders, including articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and speech apraxia. It is also frequently used with individuals who have neurological conditions that affect speech production, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.
During BOMT sessions, the speech therapist will use a variety of techniques to target the specific muscle groups involved in speech production. These techniques may include exercises to improve lip and tongue strength, range of motion exercises for the jaw and palate, and exercises to improve coordination between different muscle groups.
One of the primary benefits of BOMT is its versatility. BOMT can be used with individuals of all ages, from young children to older adults. It can also be adapted to meet the specific needs of each individual, making it a highly personalized form of therapy.
In addition to improving speech production, BOMT can also have a positive impact on overall oral health. By strengthening the muscles used in chewing and swallowing, individuals may also see improvements in their ability to eat and drink safely and comfortably.
At Talk About Therapy – Speech Therapy in Atlanta, our speech therapists are highly trained in the use of BOMT and have seen significant improvements in speech production and overall communication with this approach. BOMT is often used in conjunction with other speech therapy techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
If you or someone you know is struggling with speech difficulties, Talk About Therapy in Atlanta offers specialized speech therapy services, including BOMT, to help individuals improve their speech production and achieve their communication goals.