Core Principles (Melillo Method Applied to Oral Motor Speech):

• Identifying Functional Brain Imbalances: The Melillo Method emphasises that oral motor and speech difficulties can stem from imbalances in brain function, particularly between the hemispheres and within specific areas controlling motor planning, sequencing, and sensory processing related to the oral mechanism. Assessment is crucial to pinpoint these areas.
• Targeted Stimulation for Neuroplasticity: Specific oral motor exercises and sensory activities are prescribed to stimulate underactive brain regions involved in speech production and strengthen the neural pathways necessary for coordinated and precise movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate.
• Developmental Perspective: Protocols consider the typical developmental sequence of pre-speech and speech milestones. Activities may be designed to revisit and reinforce foundational oral motor skills that are crucial for later speech development.
• Hemispheric Specialization and Integration: The Melillo Method recognises the roles of both hemispheres in language and motor control. Protocols aim to strengthen the specific contributions of each hemisphere to speech production (e.g., motor planning in one, execution in the other) and improve their coordinated function.
• Multi-Sensory Integration: Speech development is enhanced by integrating various sensory inputs. Protocols may incorporate tactile, proprioceptive, visual, and auditory cues to support oral motor control and sound production.

Components of Oral Motor Speech Development Protocols 

These protocols are highly individualised but often include a combination of the following types of exercises:

1. Oral Motor Exercises: Strengthening Exercises, Range of Motion Exercises, Coordination and Sequencing Exercises,  Oral Placement Therapy (OPT).

2. Sensory Awareness and Discrimination: Tactile Exploration, Temperature and Taste Activities, Proprioceptive Input

3. Pre-Speech Activities

4. Articulation and Phonological Activities: Sound Imitation, Phonological Awareness Training, Speech Sound Production Practice, Visual and Tactile Cues for Articulation.

Integration with Other Melillo Method Components:

• Vestibular and Proprioceptive Activities: Supporting overall sensory processing and motor control, which are foundational for speech development.
• Hemispheric Specific Exercises: Incorporating activities that preferentially activate the left hemisphere (often dominant for language) or the right hemisphere (involved in prosody and non-verbal communication aspects of speech), based on assessment findings.
• Interhemispheric Integration Exercises: Activities that promote communication and coordination between the left and right hemispheres, crucial for the complex motor planning and sequencing involved in speech.

Implementation:

• Comprehensive Oral Motor and Speech Assessment: A thorough evaluation is essential to identify specific weaknesses, sensory processing challenges, and underlying neurological imbalances.
• Individualised Program Design: Exercises are carefully selected and tailored to the child's specific needs and developmental level.
• Structured and Repetitive Practice: Consistency and repetition are key for motor learning and speech development.
• Home Programs: Parents are often provided with home-based activities to reinforce therapy goals.
• Integration with Other Therapies: Oral motor speech protocols may be integrated with other therapies, such as occupational therapy or feeding therapy, as needed.

Developing Minds Considerations:

• Age-Appropriateness: Exercises are adapted to the child's age and cognitive abilities, using motivating and engaging activities.
• Play-Based Therapy: Incorporating play into oral motor and speech activities can increase engagement and enjoyment.
• Positive Reinforcement: Providing encouragement and positive feedback is crucial for building confidence and motivation.
• Parental Involvement and Education: Educating parents about the underlying neurological principles and providing them with strategies to support their child's speech development at home is a vital component of the Melillo Method approach.

By implementing carefully designed oral motor speech development protocols within the framework of functional neurology and the Melillo Method, the aim is to address the neurological foundations of communication difficulties, leading to improvements in articulation, language skills, and overall communication abilities for developing minds.