Oromotor basics

Oro-motor concerns include difficulty in moving the muscles of the mouth such as the jaw, lips, and tongue. This can be one reason for delays in speech development. Strengthening these muscles step by step helps children gain better control and confidence in communication

Tips to keep in mind

• Begin with basic skills first—do not start straight with tongue exercises, before strengthening the muscles.
• Remember that the back and neck provide support for the mouth. If the muscles of this region are weak, work with your Occupational Therapist (OT) to strengthen these areas as needed.
• Keep the pace gradual and child‑led—therapy should never feel rushed or forced. A child learns best in a happy and supportive environment.

Key points to focus

• Jaw first: The jaw is the main articulator. It is therefore important to begin with graded movements—opening, closing, and sustaining. 
• Separate movements: Help the child learn to move the jaw and lips independently.
• Sustained blowing: Practice controlled blowing to strengthen breath support.
• Posture matters: Ensure the back and neck are strong enough to support oral movements. If not, consult an OT for muscle strengthening.
• Gentle pace: Like other therapies, oro‑motor work should be done gradually, respecting the child’s comfort.

Role of the therapist

An oro‑motor therapist should be well informed about these nuances. 

Collaboration between caregivers and professionals ensures therapy is safe, effective, and tailored to the child’s needs.

This video and guidance were created by Communiverse, led by Deepa Bhat Nair, an organisation dedicated to providing innovative, family-focused solutions for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. Communiverse offers both online and in-person support, providing highly nuanced interventions for very young children — with remarkable outcomes. The team is also pioneering path-breaking programs for middle schoolers and young adults with social cognition challenges, helping them navigate school, college, and daily interactions with greater confidence.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.