Orofacial myofunctional disorders: what SLPs evaluate and treat, per ASHA
ASHA’s Practice Portal states: “Orofacial myofunctional interventions are conducted by appropriately trained speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as part of a collaborative team.” This page quotes ASHA only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: ASHA’s Practice Portal page Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders.
ASHA’s Practice Portal pages are written for clinicians. Quotes below stop before ASHA’s in-text research citations.
What OMDs are
ASHA states: “OMDs are movement patterns that involve oral and orofacial musculature, which result in incorrect positioning of the tongue at rest and during swallowing, breathing, and speech production.” And: “OMDs can co-occur with a variety of speech and swallowing disorders.”
What the SLP evaluates
- “The movement patterns related to the mouth and face muscles that affect the growth of facial structures, communication, and swallowing.”
- “How these movement patterns impact daily activities such as breathing, talking, and eating.”
- “Environmental factors that either help or hinder communication and participation.”
What SLP intervention addresses
- “Help the person develop skills and strategies for better lip, tongue, and face control.”
- “Change environmental factors to reduce barriers, enhance support for communication and participation, and provide the necessary accommodations and training.”
Where the SLP’s scope stops
ASHA states: “Diagnosing malocclusions or TMJD is not within the SLP’s scope of practice.” It says referrals to a dentist, an orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon are considered if concerns arise (paraphrased). On tongue-tie procedures, ASHA says the decision is a medical one made case by case by dentists, oral surgeons, and otolaryngologists (paraphrased).
What this page does not do
It does not repeat ASHA’s prevalence figures, assessment steps, or treatment techniques. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.