Rachael Rose - Creative Speech Therapy NYC

The Ompar Epidemic

Rachael Rose — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:02:58 +0000

The OMPAR Epidemic

March is Disability Awareness Month and I am here to talk to you about an issue that is commonly overlooked. It is a hidden epidemic that society has accepted as ‘normal’ but is silently harming our children. I am talking about Open Posture at Rest (OMPAR). OMPAR is a frequent sight, one that most of us ignore every day. We don’t bat an eyelash because it has become so common that it’s rarely talked about. But just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.

What is OMPAR?

OMPAR is when a person’s lips remain apart and the jaw drops open when a person is not actively talking or chewing. Both children and adults can demonstrate OMPAR. If a child regularly rests with their mouth open, it may appear harmless or simply like it’s just a habit. However, chronic open mouth posture is often a sign that something deeper may be going on.

Open mouth resting posture may be due to:

Small airway
Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
Low oral tone
Orofacial myofunctional disorders
Sensory regulation differences

More importantly, chronic open mouth posture is not just a sign of an underlying issue. It can influence several aspects of a child’s development, from speech and feeding to dental growth, sleep quality, and overall health.

OMPAR is commonly overlooked, even among SLPs. I had a client who was receiving speech therapy for years before I started seeing him. He had trouble with different sounds so we were working on his overall articulation. His speech was unclear and he was difficult to understand in connected speech. During our first session, before we even started formal tasks, I noticed something important: His mouth was open at rest. Consistently. His lips were apart, his tongue was low and forward, and he was breathing through his mouth. When I asked him to close his lips, he could, but only briefly before returning to that open posture.

Instead of jumping straight into sound drills, I paused and looked at the bigger picture. I referred him to an otolaryngologist (ENT) to address any underlying airway issues. We discovered he had enlarged adenoids contributing to airway obstruction. He also showed reduced lip strength and poor oral awareness.

Once we addressed the airway concerns and incorporated oral motor awareness work, nasal breathing practice, and lip closure exercises, something shifted. His speech clarity improved. His stamina improved. Even his attention during sessions improved.

The articulation therapy became more effective because the foundation was stronger. This is the missing piece is a lot of articulation therapy cases. OMPAR is something most pediatricians ignore, leading most families to believe it is not impacting their children.

Not only can speech be impacted but, like I mentioned earlier in the post, so can feeding, dental growth, sleep quality, and overall health. An open mouth posture at rest can impact feeding by reducing lip closure and oral stability, which may affect chewing efficiency and safe swallowing.

Over time, this posture can also influence dental growth by altering jaw development, tooth alignment, and the shape of the palate. Chronic mouth breathing is often associated with disrupted sleep, as it can contribute to airway concerns and decreased oxygen quality during the night. Poor sleep quality can, in turn, affect overall health, including attention, behavior, immune function, and daily energy levels.

When lips are closed at rest: The tongue rests on the palate, which supports proper development and contributes to facial symmetry. Nasal breathing is promoted, which is important for filtering air. Speech production has a stable foundation.

Some signs parents could look for include:

Chronic mouth breathings
Snoring or restless sleep
Frequent congestion
Drooling beyond developmental norms
Tongue resting low or forward
Open lips at rest most of the day

If you notice any of these signs a collaborative approach can be powerful, involving your pediatrician, ENT, dentist/orthodontist, and SLP.

This month, Disability Awareness month includes awareness about subtle patterns that impact development.

As pediatric clinicians, we have the opportunity to:

Observe closely
Ask deeper questions
Support the whole child
Collaborate across disciplines

OMPAR might look small. But small foundational patterns shape big developmental outcomes. This March, let’s continue building awareness, not just of diagnoses, but of the underlying systems that support every child’s growth. Because when we strengthen the foundation, everything built on top becomes stronger.

Written by: Christina Vitale, Speech Language Pathologist

The post The Ompar Epidemic first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.

Fall Into Speech And Feeding Fun

Rachael Rose — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:25:59 +0000

Fall Into Speech And Feeding Fun!

The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and school is back in full swing. If you’re looking for engaging, autumn-inspired ways to support your child’s language, speech, and feeding skills at home, you’re in the right place! As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m here to share creative and practical activities that blend seamlessly into your fall routines. Whether your child is working on building vocabulary, practicing clear speech sounds, or exploring new foods, this cozy season offers plenty of natural opportunities to help support progress outside of therapy.

Make Fall Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are one of my favorite activities for every season! They not only keep my kids engaged for long periods of time, but they also provide a ton of opportunities to elicit different speech sounds, promote overall vocabulary skills, and encourage requesting and commenting! They can also be used to help our picky eaters become more comfortable with new and different scents and textures!

What You’ll Need:

- Base filler: uncooked rice or pasta dyed in fall colors (orange, red, yellow, brown)
- Mini pumpkins (plastic or real)
- Leaves (fake or real)
- Small apples (real or toy)
- Acorns
- Scoops, spoons, mini baskets, and tongs
- Picture cards or mini objects for articulation/sound targets (e.g., items with /s/, /f/, /k/ sounds)
  Optional for our kiddos who have feeding issues

Cinnamon stick: adds smell and safe to explore

Dried apple spices: safe way to explore apples in a different form

Don't Forget to MakeTime for Playing in the Leaves!

Speech and Language Goals:

Articulation Practice: Hide small objects or picture cards with target sounds in the bin. Have your child find and say each word.
Vocabulary Building: Introduce and describe fall-themed items (“bumpy,” “crunchy,” “smooth,” “round,” “orange,” etc.).
- For example, pick up an acorn and say “wow bumpy” “this acorn is bumpy” “feel this acorn… it is bumpy”. You can compare the bumpy acorn to soft leaves or a big pumpkin to a small pumpkin.
Following Directions: Give multi-step commands like “Find a leaf and then scoop two apples.”
Requesting & Commenting: Encourage functional language like “I want the scoop,” “Look! A pumpkin!” or “Can I have more?”

Spice it up to help feeding goals:

Try adding real food textures like cinnamon sticks and dried apples to your sensory bin. Whole spices like nutmeg or cloves are great for introducing new smells, helping picky eaters get used to different scents in a fun, low-pressure way. You can even mix and match some of the items in the sensory bin to make it all edible if feeding is your only goal! (having an oats and/or cereal base, adding dried apples, spices, cinnamon sticks, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds,fruit leather strips, soft dried cranberries or raisins, etc.)

It is important to supervise kids with this activity especially if they are younger and will be eating or putting things in their mouth!

Bake a Fall Treat Together

Who doesn’t love a tasty fall treat! Baking is a great way to get your picky eaters involved in a low pressure, fun experience. It is also an amazing way to target speech and language goals including: following directions, sequencing, and narration.

On a chilly fall evening, what is better than the smell of pumpkin, apple and cinnamon wafting from the oven. Whether it’s pumpkin bread, cookies, homemade granola or apple crisps, the list is endless. One simple and easy recipe I like to use is for “ghost cookies.”

Ghost Cookies are spooky Halloween treats made with graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and cookie dough, topped with candy eyeballs to give them a playful ghostly look. They are super easy to make and a fun, hands-on recipe to get kids involved in fall festivities. Whether you’re baking as a family or using them for a themed activity, ghost cookies offer plenty of opportunities to boost language skills, from following directions and naming ingredients to storytelling and describing spooky shapes. A perfect mix of tasty and educational!

Ghost Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

Graham cracker squares (one per cookie)
Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into squares
Marshmallows
Premade cookie dough (store‑bought, plain chocolate chip or sugar cookie style
Candy eyeball sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat & prep
Set your oven to ~ 350 °F (175 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper
Layer base
Place one graham cracker square on each spot on your baking sheet (leave some space between).
On top of each graham cracker, place one or two small squares of Hershey’s chocolate (or whatever chocolate you like).
Add marshmallow
Put a marshmallow (whole or halved) on top of the chocolate.
Cover with cookie dough
Take a portion of premade cookie dough large enough to drape fully over the marshmallow (so the marshmallow + chocolate is underneath). Gently mold the dough over it, sealing the edges so marshmallow doesn’t ooze out too much. The dough should fully or mostly cover the marshmallow and chocolate.
Bake
Bake for about 12–15 minutes (or according to the directions on your premade dough) until the cookie dough is golden and cooked through. Watch carefully so the bottom doesn’t burn.
Add eyeball sprinkles
As soon as the cookies come out (while still hot and soft), gently press the candy eyeball sprinkles into the top of the cookie dough in positions where “eyes” make sense. If needed, you can use a little melted chocolate or frosting as glue to secure them.
Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet so everything sets

Speech & Language Goals:

Sequencing: “First we put the graham cracker down, then the chocolate.”
Label ingredients: “chocolate,” “graham cracker,” “cookie dough.”
Encourage narration: “What are we doing next?”

Feeding Goals:

Exposure to smells and textures in a relaxed setting.
Encourage tasting batter or new ingredients (with supervision!).

Bonus Tip: Let your child be the “chef” and assign simple tasks like pouring, stirring, or sprinkling — it builds confidence and curiosity about food!

Fall Craft Time: Make a Leaf Collage

Looking for a way to help get your kids exploring the outdoors while helping enrich their speech and language skills? This is the perfect fall craft for you! There is minimal prep involved, all you need is paper, markers, glue, and some real leaves! This activity is easily adaptable to a wide range of goals, from articulation and vocabulary to responding to “wh” questions and more. Simple setup, meaningful practice, and lots of fun!

Materials:

A sheet of paper or cardstock
Markers or crayons
Glue stick or liquid glue
Real fallen leaves (collected outside by the child)

What to Do:

Draw a tree trunk and branches on the paper using markers or crayons.
Go on a mini leaf hunt outside and collect colorful, fallen leaves.
Glue the leaves onto the paper

Speech & Language Goals:

Requesting materials: “I need glue,” “Can I have a leaf?”
Answering “wh” questions: “Where did you find your leaf?” “What color is it?” “Why do leaves fall?” “When do leaves fall?”
Follow 1–2–3 step directions: “Pick a red leaf, glue it at the top, and draw a circle”
Use sentence starters: “I found a…” “My leaf is…”
Articulation: saying a target sound every time you glue on a leaf.

Written by Christina Vitale

Speech/Language Pathologist

The post Fall Into Speech And Feeding Fun first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.

The ABCs of AAC: Opening the Door to Communication

Rachael Rose — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:51:02 +0000

The ABCs of AAC: Opening the Door to Communication

If you’re exploring AAC for your child, you’re not alone—and you’re doing a great thing by learning more. Rest assured, AAC is not giving up on speech—it’s providing tools for your child to communicate effectively as their skills grow!

My interest in AAC began over 10 years ago on my journey to become a speech-language pathologist. I observed a teacher assume that their student didn’t understand anything that was said to them yet when the student was provided with an AAC device the student could answer questions and label items. It brought me such joy to see the pride in the child’s face when they were able to effectively communicate! Thus, sparked my interest in AAC!

What is AAC?
AAC is an acronym for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC is meant to allow a nonverbal child to express themselves while learning verbal language. It can be used for many types of children (apraxia, autism, etc). It can be used as both a replacement for verbal communication or as a supplement to verbal communication. AAC is not a one size fits all approach as the first step is to complete a thorough evaluation of the child and their family dynamic to determine the best choice for each specific child. Both verbal and non-verbal children can benefit from use of an AAC device as there is a vast array of AAC types. Low-tech AAC may consist of a picture board (a grid with symbols and words on it), a communication book (book that contains pictures of familiar people/places/things) or even a pen and paper. High-tech AAC may consist of an iPad with an AAC app on it, an eye gaze machine that tracks movement of the users eyes to make selections, or even a modified typing app. You may see a high-tech AAC device referred to as a Speech Generating Device or SGD.

Who benefits from AAC?
Children with a range of different diagnoses and learning styles can benefit from AAC. For example, a child with cerebral palsy who struggles with speech and motor skills could use an AAC device, a child with autism that is not yet or minimally verbal could use an AAC device, a gestalt language learner who benefits from modeling to produce functional language could use an AAC device, a child with Down Syndrome who is hard to understand due to low muscle tone could use an AAC device. These are just some examples! An AAC device can be helpful for anyone that struggles to communicate with others and can be a useful tool for other’s to better understand your child! It’s important to remember that use of an AAC device can be temporary. In many cases, it is a helpful device as your child’s skills develop!

What does an AAC assessment at Creative Speech Therapy look like?

An AAC evaluation consists of various steps as we pride ourselves on proving a well-rounded and thorough evaluation. We conduct a speech assessment (if applicable), a language assessment and an oral motor exam. Next, we look at gross and fine motor needs (e.g. can the child isolate a single finger) and evaluate if the child can scan multiple pictures on the device and if they are interested in a device. After, we trial multiple different AAC apps to get a sense of which app best fits your child’s needs. We match your child with an app that provides the best technology features, selection method and vocabulary for your child. Then, we build out your child’s unique board. We target functional words for your child, family names, and favorite foods, toys, items, etc.

At what age can my child start to use an AAC device?

People of all ages can use an AAC device! Research shows that children with communication challenges can benefit from AAC as early as 12 months. (Davidoff, B.E. 2017)

What are some Commonly Used Apps?

There are a variety of AAC apps that can be used to best fit your child’s needs. As a speech/language pathologist trained in AAC, it’s my job to determine which app would be the best fit for your child. Four commonly used apps are:

1.Proloquo2go-

-Provides a vast field of icons that are grouped based on their part of speech (e.g. verb, preposition, noun).

-Options for progressive vocabulary to build language as the child becomes more successful

-Extensive fringe vocabulary (words about topic/individual/environment) and vast customization

2.TouchChat HD w/Wordpower-

-Provides options for icons to be one word utterances (car) or phrases (Let’s play cars) and uses predictive phrases for easy sentence creation.

– Has a vast field of icons that are grouped based on their part of speech (e.g. verb, preposition, noun).

-Can access visual scenes (e.g. integrates with media)

3.LAMP words for life-

-Uses principles of motor planning to aide in language acquisition. (Think about how when we type on a keyboard it is fairly automatic and with enough practice we don’t need to think about where each letter is. This is because of motor planning.)

-Can work well if child has trouble scanning to look at all the icons on the AAC device

-Each icon is always in the same place

4.TD Snap-

-Offers a variety of access methods (e.g. touch, eye gaze, scanning, etc.)

-Provides users with open for Core word template options or motor planning options

-Provides ‘Quickfires’ on all pages which gives the user an easy way to use commonly used phrases (e.g. greeting, yes/no, etc.)

But will using an AAC device hinder verbal language?

A common misconception is that if a child uses an AAC device they will start to rely on it and not develop their verbal language skills. Current research and my clinical expertise and experience shows that use of an AAC device can help to promote and grow verbal language as using an AAC device taps into the expressive language center of the brain. For example, if a child cannot speak due to having Cerebral Palsy, using an AAC and building sentences on a device allows kids to practice expressive language skills despite not being able to produce language verbally.

So, what makes Creative Speech Therapy NYC different?

Three important pillars of picking and using an AAC device to me are functionality, customization and training. Love this!

Functionality: I prioritize making the device as functional as possible for the child. This means that I think flexibly and am able to alter devices to guarantee that a child is able to use the device in a functional way. This may look like:

-Adding in a key guard for children with limited dexterity

-Changing the grid size to best fit the child’s vision and processing skills

-Selecting a program with fewer selections needed to produce a message

Customization: Many apps offer a variety of customization features and it is important that a child’s device be customized to best fit them.

Customizations might look like:

-Adding in real pictures of preferred toys

-Replacing generic symbols for people with real photos

-Programming in your child’s favorite foods for ease of access

-Limiting or expanding the grid size as your child becomes more proficient

-Providing access to words in multiple languages for bilingual children

-Rearranging icon placement to fit your child’s fine motor needs

-Creating folders for easy access to frequently used vocabulary

Training: Here at CST we value collaboration highly. For children to become proficient AAC users they need extensive modeling outside of their speech therapy sessions. I frequently provide training to children’s parents, caregivers and teachers. More so, it is important to me that all people that interact with your child be trained in using the AAC device so this may include occupational therapists, extended family or even gymnastics coaches!

Summary

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) provides tools to help children with speech or communication challenges express themselves, whether as a supplement or alternative to verbal speech. It includes both low-tech options like picture boards and high-tech devices like iPads with specialized apps. Children as young as 12 months can benefit, and AAC can support the development of verbal language rather than hindering it. At Creative Speech Therapy NYC, evaluations are thorough and personalized, with a focus on functionality, customization, and training for families and caregivers to ensure successful use across all settings.

Resources
Davidoff, B. E. (2017). AAC With Energy—Earlier. The ASHA Leader, 22(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.ftr2.22012017.48

Written by Dani Edelstein
Speech/Language Pathologist

The post The ABCs of AAC: Opening the Door to Communication first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.

Why Private Pay Can Be the Best Choice for Your Child’s Holistic Speech and Feeding Therapy

Rachael Rose — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:55:40 +0000

Why Private Pay Can Be the Best Choice for Your Child’s Holistic Speech and Feeding Therapy

At Creative Speech Therapy NYC, we use a holistic model for treating clients. We don’t just work with your child, we work with your child’s entire community. This includes their caregivers, teachers, other therapists, coaches, and more. We understand that families want the best care for their children—care that is personalized, flexible, and responsive to their unique needs. We also understand that you want to hire an expert who specializes in treating children just like yours.

One of the most important decisions families face when starting speech or feeding therapy is how to pay for services. While insurance can be helpful in some situations, it has limits. These limits include:

Restricting the type, frequency, and duration of therapy sessions, which can lead to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Capping the number of sessions per year, regardless of your child’s needs.
Approving only short-term or “restorative” therapy, not long-term developmental support.
Denying “maintenance” goals or if they don’t see quick progress.
Additionally, children with developmental delays (but no clear diagnosis) or subtle feeding issues may be denied outright. This can delay early intervention and cause unnecessary stress for your family.

Private pay offers several unique advantages, especially within a holistic therapy model. Here’s why our private pay system can be a better fit for families seeking comprehensive, individualized care:

1. True Individualization

We are called Creative Speech Therapy for a reason. We believe that therapy should be tailored for each individual child. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. In contrast, private pay allows us to tailor therapy to the whole child—taking into account developmental, sensory, emotional, culture and family dynamics—without needing to check boxes for reimbursement. We can also be unique in how we deliver our treatment. We can pivot our session to address your child’s unique interests for that day and update and change goals as needed. We can be creative and customize the session in any way we want.

Your child is more than a code—and their therapy should reflect that.

2. Whole-Child, Holistic Approach.

In a private-pay model, we’re not limited to just treating isolated speech or feeding goals. We can integrate other evidence-based approaches, including:

Sensory integration strategies
Responsive feeding therapy
Play-based and relationship-centered techniques
Parent coaching and education
Mind-body practices that support regulation and development

Insurance rarely covers these whole-child approaches, but they’re often the most effective for long-term success—especially for children with complex needs.

3. More Time for Your Family

Private pay means you’ll spend more time in meaningful sessions and less time chasing insurance approvals, authorizations, or appeals. You also won’t be limited by short session durations or inflexible schedules. We invite all family members to participate in the sessions. This means that you can be part of your child’s therapy and not just hear a quick summary of what happened in the session. You don’t have to miss breakthroughs. You can be part of them.

On our end, with fewer administrative barriers, we can spend more time focusing on what matters most: building a trusting, supportive relationship with you and your child. We can spend our administrative time making custom materials for your child, planning sessions, and talking to your child’s team. At Creative Speech Therapy NYC, we also deliver weekly homework plans tailored to your child and based on each session.

4. Direct Access to Your Therapist

When you pay privately, you have open communication with your therapist—no middleman involved. This allows for easier scheduling, faster progress updates, and ongoing collaboration to adjust goals as your child grows. When you sign on as a client at Creative Speech Therapy NYC, you have full access to us. You can email questions, schedule a progress call, and pick our brains for our abundant resources.

You are part of the team every step of the way.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings

While private pay may seem more expensive upfront, families often find that their child makes faster progress due to:

Higher-quality, more frequent sessions
No treatment delays due to red tape
More engaged family involvement
Services aligned with the child’s developmental timeline—not the insurance company’s
Fewer sessions with better results can mean less time in therapy overall.

6. No Surprises or Denials

We are transparent about pricing, and you won’t receive unexpected bills or denial letters after months of therapy. What you see is what you get—with no disruption in care because of insurance policy changes. You pay at the time of service. Even though it’s out of pocket up front, you still have the ability to seek reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

7. Freedom to Choose the Right Therapist

Private pay gives you the freedom to choose a therapist who specializes in exactly what your child needs—not just the one in-network. At our practice, we emphasize strong therapist-child relationships and family-centered values under a holistic approach. We also hire therapists who are trained above and beyond most speech/language therapists. Your child deserves a therapist who understands them deeply—and can meet them where they are.

Private pay allows us to provide the best care—not just what’s billable for your child. If you’re seeking a warm, holistic environment where your child can grow with support that feels empowering, flexible, and personalized, private pay may be the right choice for your family.

Want to learn more? Let’s talk. We’re here to answer your questions and help you decide what works best for your family’s goals.

Written by: Rachael Rose M.S. CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Owner/Speech/Language Pathologist

The post Why Private Pay Can Be the Best Choice for Your Child’s Holistic Speech and Feeding Therapy first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.

What Can Open Mouth Resting Posture Lead To?

Rachael Rose — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:57:43 +0000

What Can Open Mouth Resting Posture Lead To?

Why Open Mouth Resting Posture Matters (and How a Speech Therapist Can Help)

Have you noticed your child watching TV, playing, or even sleeping with their mouth open? This might seem like a minor habit, but consistent open mouth resting posture can be a red flag for underlying issues—and may lead to long-term consequences if not addressed early.

What Is Open Mouth Resting Posture?

In a typical resting position, the mouth is closed, the tongue rests lightly against the roof of the mouth, and breathing occurs through the nose. This posture supports healthy facial growth, speech development, and proper breathing mechanics. When a child consistently breathes through their mouth and rests with an open mouth, it often signals muscle weakness, structural issues (like enlarged tonsils or adenoids), chronic nasal congestion, or poor oral habits.

What Can Open Mouth Resting Posture Lead To?

Over time, habitual mouth breathing and open mouth posture can contribute to a range of physical, dental, speech, and developmental issues:

1. Facial Growth & Structural Changes

Long, narrow face shape (“adenoid face”)
Poor jaw alignment or underdeveloped jaw
High, narrow palate (roof of the mouth)
Small or recessed chin

These changes can affect a child’s appearance and overall facial symmetry as they grow.

2. Dental Problems

Crowded or misaligned teeth
Overbite, open bite, or crossbite
Risk of orthodontic relapse after braces
Mouth breathing can disrupt proper tongue posture, which plays a vital role in shaping the dental arch.

3. Speech Delays or Articulation Errors

Lisp or imprecise production of sounds like /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, /n/, and /l/
Difficulty with clarity and intelligibility
Sound distortions from improper tongue placement
The tongue’s resting posture affects how it moves for speech. Low tongue posture often leads to inefficient or distorted articulation.

4. Feeding Difficulties

Picky eating or difficulty chewing and swallowing
Mouth fatigue during meals
Weak lip seal and food spillage
Oral motor weakness or dysfunction can make eating physically tiring and unpleasant for children.

5. Sleep & Breathing Issues

Snoring or noisy breathing at night
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, or poor focus
Open mouth posture is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing and can interfere with restorative sleep—affecting attention, mood, and learning.

6. Impaired Oxygen Intake and Posture

Mouth breathing bypasses the body’s natural air filtration and humidification system (the nose)
Shallow chest breathing or poor head/neck posture
Fatigue and reduced stamina
Over time, this can lead to changes in body posture and decreased physical performance.

How Can a Speech Therapist Help?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), especially those with training in orofacial myofunctional therapy, can assess and treat the root causes of open mouth posture with a personalized and collaborative approach.

What We Do:

Assess breathing patterns, oral motor strength, and resting posture
Identify oral habits (e.g., thumb sucking, pacifier use, nail biting) that may be contributing
Provide fun and functional exercises to strengthen the lips, tongue, and cheeks
Train children to keep lips closed and breathe through the nose
Support articulation and speech clarity by improving tongue coordination
Collaborate with ENTs, pediatricians, orthodontists, and airway specialists as needed

Early Intervention Is Key

Open mouth posture may seem subtle—but its impact is anything but. The good news is that early support can prevent long-term complications and set your child up for success in speech, feeding, sleep, and growth.

At Creative Speech Therapy NYC, we’re experienced in identifying and addressing the root causes of oral motor and myofunctional issues. If you’ve noticed your child consistently resting with their mouth open, we’d love to help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can support your child in developing healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Written by: Rachael Rose M.S. CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Owner/Speech/Language Pathologist

Want to read more about Open Mouth Breathing?

Read our article on Developedia’s website, The Open Mouth Breathing Ripple Effect in Babies and Kids Deserves Attention.

The post What Can Open Mouth Resting Posture Lead To? first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.

Red, White, and Picky

Rachael Rose — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:37:49 +0000

Red, White, and Picky

Holidays can be extra stressful for picky eaters. Expectations are high, distractions abound, and non-preferred foods line the table.

You just want it to be a nice day with family, but when you sit down to eat, the anxiety and tantrums you experience each day at meal time with your picky eater begin. But this time its in front of family and friends. You leave the BBQ feeling like a failure and your picky eater’s feelings are in shambles (not to mention on empty tummy to make it even worse). This is not the kind of memory you want your child to look back on years from now.

As feeding therapists, we feel endless compassion for the struggle of picky eaters and their families. We often remind families that picky eating is typically not rooted in behavior – its often something going on in the body. Jaw difficulty, swallowing and sensory needs can often look like being stubborn when there is actually much more going on.

We know that emotions are heightened on holidays. That’s why we want to share our time proven tips to make your holiday day go as smoothly as possible. Let’s make this the best 4th of July ever!

Slowly introduce 4th of July foods into family meals

As soon as you can begin introducing some of the typical 4th of July foods, the sooner your child can feel comfortable around them. Even just having them at the table and seeing and smelling them is great exposure. They’ll start to make the connection between family meals and holiday spreads.

Main Courses

Grilled meat like hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, steak

Side Dishes

Potato salad
Coleslaw
Pasta salad
Corn on the cob
Watermelon
Baked beans
Deviled eggs
Mac and cheese
Grilled vegetables served skewers
Cornbread

Desserts

Fruit pies like apple pie and blueberry
Strawberry shortcake
Ice cream

On the day, pack a lunch with preferred foods - and remember that meat may not be safe if your child has any kind of jaw weakness

There’s no need to make the 4th a day to try something new. Let your child make positive memories about spending time with family and friends by bringing their preferred foods to have for lunch/dinner. Remember that your child may not have the ability to safely chew meat, so forcing them to eat from the grill can also be dangerous.

Use dips

Dips are a great way to mask flavors and vary a diet. BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard – condiments and dips can be so fun and exciting!

Contextualize and craft

Help your child understand why we celebrate and come together by making a craft and sharing fun facts like:

The 4th of July is the day we celebrate our country’s independence from Britain.
The original Declaration of Independence was signed on July 2, 1776 but the final version was adopted on July 4, 1776.
There are about 14,000 professional fireworks displays every 4th of July in the United States.
Americans love to celebrate this day with BBQs and hot dog eating contests. 155 million hot dogs are eaten on this day in the United States.

Here’s a cute craft you can make too!

Grill together

Even if your child isn’t a meat/veggie lover, exposing them to the smells and sounds from the grill can be a great way to teach them about cooking. Showing them the artistry in waiting for the perfect temperature and color is a really unique way to involve them in the process.

Relax, enjoy the fireworks, and shut out the extra noise

Don’t let family/friends give you grief for accommodating your picky eater. More damage is done through force feeding and shame than creating a safe space from them to eat. You know what’s right for them.

To reiterate, picky eating is almost never behavioral. More often than not there is something going on with your child’s ability to chew, swallow, and handle certain textures. Usually picky eaters need a little more help than a loving parent alone can provide. We hope you’ll give us a call to learn more about our services. As your teammate, we’ll never force-feed your child, make them feel uncomfortable, or leave you out of the process. We’ll help you get to the root of their picky eating and make lasting changes to diet and mealtimes.

Written by: Jane Wright
Marketing Manager

The post Red, White, and Picky first appeared on Creative Speech Therapy NYC.