oral issues - an OT or SL issue?

[vocalise]

I'm trying to figure out who would be the best kind of professional to work with ds on his oral issues. I know at least some of it is sensory, but is that exclusively an OT thing?

issues include:
- sometimes drooling, often spitting (as he talks or laughs--not intentional)
- generally seems to have a lot of saliva near the front of his mouth
- chews with an open mouth and lots of noise (five hundred reminders a meal don't seem to be helping)
- some food stays in the front of his mouth after he's done eating, and will leak out with the drool. As in, he doesn't really clean out the front of his mouth with his tongue, I guess?
- can't feel if there's food around his mouth
- chews and sucks on all kinds of things (definitely sensory)

Any ideas? Would you go the OT or the speech and language route for this first?

[Aridel]

How old is your ds? How is your insurance coverage? It sounds like it could be either, and there is overlap. I would look for either OT or SLP who has feeding expertise, since I find that each field can have people who are knowledgeable about this area, and people who are clueless.

Sorry that was clear as mud, feeding is a tricky one sometimes.

[~cassie]

We had some of the same issues and got more help from our SLP in that area, not our OT. I think it can really depend as to who has more experience working with it. Our SLP is the one that noticed it and the oral issues create speech issues(for us at least).

[Rose-Roget]

SLP's usually work with oral and swallowing issues in most areas. They are highly trained and knowledgeable about the anatomy of those structures and how to remediate difficulties/sensation in those areas.

[KimPM]

One SLP we found was tremendously helpful in figuring out my DS's oral motor and eating issues. She specialized in feeding therapy as well. However, before we found her, we had another SLP (who did not specialize in feeding) and a couple of OT's look at him and were unable to help. So, if you find the right SLP, I think it could do a world of good. Call around and ask a lot of questions to find the right person.

[vocalise]

He just turned nine. I get some funding through our provincial government (I'm in Canada) to spend on therapies as I see fit.

Thanks so much for the BTDTs, all! I'll definitely do some research and see if I can find a good SLP who specializes in feeding issues.