Build Stronger Speech and Feeding Skills with Oral Placement Therapy at SpeakUp Centre
When speech or feeding challenges arise, strengthening the muscles involved in oral movements is often a critical first step. Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) offers a structured, sensory-based approach that helps develop the physical skills necessary for clear communication and effective feeding.
At SpeakUp Centre, we integrate OPT into personalized therapy programs designed to meet each individual’s unique needs. All our therapists are OPT certified, bringing specialized expertise to every session to ensure meaningful, lasting progress.
Why Choose OPT for Speech and Feeding Development?
Oral-motor skills form the foundation of clear speech and functional feeding. When a child or adult struggles with these skills, it can
affect articulation, chewing, swallowing, and overall communication.
affect articulation, chewing, swallowing, and overall communication.
Strengthens oral muscles responsible for speech and eating
Improves precision and control of jaw, tongue, and lip movements
Promotes better coordination between respiration, phonation, and articulation
Supports children with sensory and motor-based speech disorders
Builds feeding skills for safe swallowing, biting, and chewing
Whether it’s a toddler who isn’t making sounds yet or an adult recovering from a neurological condition, OPT provides a highly structured and tactile-based pathway to success.
Why Choose OPT for Speech and Feeding Development?
Oral Placement Therapy is beneficial for a wide range of individuals, particularly those with:
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Feeding Disorders
Low Oral Tone or Oral Hypersensitivity
Speech delays not progressing through traditional therapy
OPT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. At SpeakUp Centre, we personalize every treatment plan to match each individual’s motor and sensory profile. Our OPT certified therapists begin with a comprehensive assessment and then design a step-by-step program with measurable goals.
Our OPT Therapy Process at SpeakUp Centre
We follow a carefully structured process to ensure your child or loved one receives
effective and engaging therapy:
Initial Evaluation
Every OPT journey begins with a detailed oral-motor and feeding assessment conducted by our certified therapists. We assess muscle tone, coordination, range of motion, and sensory-motor integration.
Customized Therapy Plan
Based on the assessment, we develop a customized program that includes oral-motor tools, tactile cues, and hierarchies aligned with the client’s developmental stage.
Hands-On Therapy Sessions
Using OPT tools such as straws, bite blocks, horns, and tongue depressors, our therapists guide the jaw, lips, and tongue through targeted exercises. These sessions are play-based and goal-oriented to keep children engaged and motivated.
Parent Involvement & Home Practice
We believe therapy extends beyond the session room. Parents are guided with at-home strategies and progress-tracking support to ensure continuity and faster improvement.
Regular Progress Monitoring
Our therapists document and monitor progress through every phase. Adjustments to the therapy plan are made based on real-time outcomes and client responsiveness.
Why SpeakUp Centre is the Right Choice for OPT
Choosing the right therapy centre can significantly impact your child’s development. Here’s why families across the region trust SpeakUp Centre:
All Therapists are OPT Certified
Our team is trained directly under recognized OPT programs (TalkTools), ensuring your child receives expert care using research-backed methods.
Multi-Sensory, Child-Friendly Approach
We blend tactile, auditory, and visual techniques to reinforce oral-motor patterns in a way that’s both fun and functional.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two clients are alike. We tailor each program to individual strengths, needs, and developmental goals.
Focus on Functional Outcomes
Our goal is real-world progress—clearer speech, better feeding habits, and improved quality of life.
Parent Empowerment with the Hanen Approach
We use the Hanen Approach to involve parents right from the start. Our therapists guide and train families to use simple strategies at home, helping children make faster progress and build stronger communication skills.
FAQs
Yes, Oral Placement Therapy is highly effective for children with autism who exhibit motor planning or sensory integration issues affecting speech or feeding.
Traditional speech therapy focuses on sound production using visual and auditory cues, while OPT adds a tactile component to physically shape correct oral movements.
Absolutely. All tools used in therapy are designed specifically for therapeutic purposes and are handled by trained, OPT certified therapists.
Progress timelines vary based on the individual’s needs and consistency of therapy, but many parents notice improvements within a few months.
Yes, adults recovering from strokes, neurological conditions, or those with long-standing speech and feeding issues can benefit from a structured OPT program.