MYOTools™ 104: Comprehensive Intervention for the 4 MYODomains™ of OMDs

Course Description

According to Merkel-Walsh (2020), Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are the nexus of structure and function. In some cases, a structural anomaly results in functional challenges and in other cases atypical oral habits and dysfunctional muscle-based skills result in undesirable structural changes. In MYOTools® 103, participants learned how to conduct an assessment of the 4 MYODomains ™ of airway, feeding/swallowing, structure and function. This course culminates with data gathered in the assessment to move forward with treatment. 

Robyn has created a SysteMatic Intervention for Lingual Elevation (SMILE) that was used for years with students and patients who presented with lisps and organic speech sound disorders impacting lingual alveolar (/t/,/d/, /n/, /l/, /s/ and /z/) and well and lingual palatal phonemes (such as /ʃ/ and /tʃ) secondary to oral dysfunction. Over the years, with extensive training, experience and research in orofacial myofunctional disorders, Robyn advanced her knowledge and her program which evolved into MYOSolutions™. Robyn’s research (2025) has shown that OMT as a standalone modality will most likely not improve speech; however, treating the root cause of an organic SSD, paired with orofacial myofunctional therapy and articulation therapy is ideal. This course highlights that combined approach.

This course walks participants through a comprehensive orofacial myofunctional therapy program that has been used for over three decades to treat all aspects of OMDs such as eliminating mouth breathing and noxious habits, while improving swallowing and speech. Robyn has established hierarchies of care, data driven therapy sessions and integrated her knowledge of oral placement and feeding therapies for the most comprehensive approach available to date.

NOTE: It is recommended that licensed professionals taking this course have completed MYOTools® 103, or another equivalent course specific to OMD assessment due to the advanced nature of this course.