The Thumb Sucking Clinic
Thumb sucking is a habit that is most often observed in children, however, there are also adults who continue to suck their thumb, fingers or objects such as pens.
The habit is associated with persistent oro-motor behaviours (such as a tongue thrust swallow) that affect breathing, teeth alignment, development of the jaw and palate, swallowing and speech.
As Speech Pathologists, we find that most clients contact us because they have concerns regarding speech. Intelligible speech and the ability to communicate effectively, are always our primary goals, however, when a thumb sucking habit is present, therapy addressing speech in isolation will invariably be unsuccessful in the long term. Speech Pathologists frequently offer clients ‘tips’ to aid the process of breaking a thumb sucking habit, however, we have come to realise that this is often not enough.
Thumb sucking is a habit which can be as difficult to break, as smoking. Children (and adults) require structured support that follows a cognitive behavioural framework, to ensure success. The rewards of tackling thumb sucking in a planned and systematic manner, are numerous.
Speech Pathologists at Sydney SPOT have specialist training in Orofacial Myology, which we feel is a critical component in our scope of practice. It broadens our capacity to care for our clients, supporting general health and well-being, in addition to speech and swallowing (which is what we are all about!).
The habit is associated with persistent oro-motor behaviours (such as a tongue thrust swallow) that affect breathing, teeth alignment, development of the jaw and palate, swallowing and speech.
As Speech Pathologists, we find that most clients contact us because they have concerns regarding speech. Intelligible speech and the ability to communicate effectively, are always our primary goals, however, when a thumb sucking habit is present, therapy addressing speech in isolation will invariably be unsuccessful in the long term. Speech Pathologists frequently offer clients ‘tips’ to aid the process of breaking a thumb sucking habit, however, we have come to realise that this is often not enough.
Thumb sucking is a habit which can be as difficult to break, as smoking. Children (and adults) require structured support that follows a cognitive behavioural framework, to ensure success. The rewards of tackling thumb sucking in a planned and systematic manner, are numerous.
Speech Pathologists at Sydney SPOT have specialist training in Orofacial Myology, which we feel is a critical component in our scope of practice. It broadens our capacity to care for our clients, supporting general health and well-being, in addition to speech and swallowing (which is what we are all about!).
