Beckman Oral Motor Program

This approach was developed by Debra Beckman, MS, CCC-SLP, who has been practicing since 1975. This protocol is a way to evaluate and treat weakness (hypotonicity) throughout the oral-facial areas.

Beckman Oral Motor Protocol is an intervention that utilizes assisted movement and stretch reflexes to activate muscle contraction, build strength and improve Range of Motion in the lips, jaw, tongue and soft palate. It assesses the response to pressure, movement, range, and strength, and variety and control of movement. It is very beneficial for children that can not follow verbal commands due to motor planning and/or a cognitive deficit. This can also be used with infants as a highly effective tool for improving oral motor skills to support feeding and speech development.

Beckman Oral Motor Intervention can be used to facilitate both speech production and feeding skills. Issues such as tooth grinding, drooling and hyper/hyposensitivity may also be addressed by the Beckman protocol. Techniques that are used are presented in a playful, gentle manner, so that all children feel respected. Emphasis is placed on providing parent training so that the techniques can be carried over into the home for maximum benefit.