ABSTRACT
The ideas motivating the use of nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) cluster into
three memeplexes that reflect the rich history of oral motor and nonspeech activities
in speech-language pathology; a bottom-up, discrete skill theory of learning; and
common treatment practices. The lack of clinical guidance provided by research also
plays a role in the use of NSOMEs. The essence of the oral motor memeplex is the history
of oral motor activities in speech-language pathology and the often detailed coverage
these activities receive in the most widely read textbooks and publications in our
profession. The essence of the discrete skill memeplex is that complex behaviors,
like speech production, can be broken down into discrete sequences of processes and
behaviors, and the best instruction and intervention involves discrete skills training,
bottom-up approaches, task analyses, and developmentally sequenced materials. The
clinical practice memeplex reflects a set of common clinical practices that contribute
to the use of NSOMEs. These factors include the desire to provide state-of-the art
treatment, a preference for broad-based, eclectic treatment approaches, and diverse
and engaging activities that offer opportunities for measurable success. There are
so many reasons to use NSOMEs that the more interesting question may be why some clinicians
(< 15%) do not use these activities.
KEYWORDS
Meme - oral motor - learning - treatment
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Alan G Kamhi
University of North Carolina
Greensboro, NC
Email: agkamhi@uncg.edu