ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION

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Meeting with a new healthcare provider can cause some anxiety, especially when you don't know what to expect at that appointment. Here you will learn what is typically covered during your initial evaluation appointment, so you can feel more at ease and prepared for your visit (whether in person or Telehealth). 

The first thing you need to know is: new patient appointments take time. When a new patient calls to make an appointment for their first visit, I make sure they know to allot enough time for it. Our clinicians spend between 1-2 hours with clients for this evaluation. This amount of time may seem surprising, but the initial visit is very comprehensive. If we are going to be successful in your therapy, we want to make sure that we are not missing anything. In addition, we want to make sure you have enough time to get your questions answered so you can feel comfortable moving forward with any needed treatment.

We like to spend the first few minutes getting acquainted and getting to know you (or your child) a little better. Next, we'll jump into a review of your case/health history forms. Many are surprised that we go all the way back to early feeding habits and experiences. This is necessary because frequently this is when the problems started. In addition, we will go over your completed Intake Forms where you answered questions regarding your general health, eating and oral habits (past and present), your sleep, airway function, dental/orthodontic history, and the like. This information is a critical piece of finding out the root cause of your symptoms. Finding your "why" helps us make appropriate referrals as needed, create a customized treatment plan, and achieve success in therapy.

Once we've reviewed your case history and I have a better understanding of your personal situation, the evaluation starts. Measurements, photos, and possibly videos of various mouth and face functions are also taken. Finally, we end with screenings for speech, swallow, eating and drinking. We are assessing your entire Orofacial Complex to determine how your oral and facial muscles are functioning independently and in coordination.

Once the assessment is complete, we go over any questions that you may have. Following the evaluation, you will receive a written Myofunctional Evaluation Report. Your treatment plan will be developed based on your individual needs. Treatment typically begins the week after the evaluation. This treatment plan may include a referral to another professional whose services are needed to attain complete resolution of your functional problems or to complement/support therapy goals. 

Step 1: Comprehensive Myofunctional Assessment

Every patient begins here.

This is not a quick screening.

This is a deep, functional evaluation performed by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in orofacial myofunctional disorders.

What We Evaluate:

• Tongue mobility, strength, and coordination

• Oral motor patterns and compensations

• Breathing and airway function

• Feeding, chewing, and swallowing

• Speech and muscle use

• Structural considerations including tongue tie

Why This Matters:

A visible restriction does not always equal a functional problem.

And a functional problem is not always visible.

This is where we determine the true root cause.

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Step 2: Individualized Therapy Programs

Based on your assessment, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We offer structured therapy programs because:

• Consistency drives results

• Neuromuscular change takes time

• Support and accountability matter

Therapy Focus May Include:

• Oral motor strengthening and coordination

• Tongue posture and movement patterns

• Breathing retraining and nasal function

• Feeding and swallowing therapy

• Habit elimination and functional integration

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Specialized Services

Tongue Tie & Oral Restriction Support

• Functional assessment of restriction

• Pre-frenectomy preparation

• Post-release rehabilitation

• Collaboration with top release providers

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Infant Feeding & Lactation Support

• Breastfeeding and bottle feeding challenges

• Poor latch, clicking, reflux, or gas

• Oral motor dysfunction in infants

• Pre- and post-release support

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Pediatric Feeding Therapy

• Picky eating and food aversion

• Texture sensitivities

• Oral motor delays impacting feeding

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Airway & Sleep Support

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing

• Low tongue posture

• Functional airway optimization

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TMJ & Oral Tension (Teens & Adults)

• Jaw pain, clenching, grinding

• Muscle tension and compensation patterns

• Dysfunctional oral habits

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Speech & Oral Motor Therapy

• Articulation challenges

• Motor planning and coordination

• Muscle-based speech patterns

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How We Deliver Care

We offer:

• In-person sessions in Coral Springs, Florida

• Telehealth sessions for children, teens, and adults

• Parent coaching and guided programs

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Our Approach

We do not treat in isolation.

We collaborate with:

• Pediatric dentists

• ENTs

• Airway-focused providers

• Release providers

Because optimal outcomes require team-based, function-driven care.

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Getting Started

The first step is a Comprehensive Assessment

From there, we guide you through:

• Whether therapy is needed

• Whether a release is indicated

• What the best next steps are for your specific case

Schedule your assessment today

Your Initial Evaluation in Review

So, let's sum things up. At your initial myofunctional evaluation appointment you can expect to receive:

A comprehensive assessment which includes examination of:                                        

1. Oral Habits
2. Breathing/Respiration Habits
3. Craniofacial/orofacial appearance (ie; symmetry, posture, growth       patterns) and function of related muscles and the jaw joint
4. Hard and soft tissues of the mouth
5. Dental Occlusion 
6. Tongue function, appearance, and rest position
7. Chewing, drinking, and the oral phase of the swallow

We will be looking at:

✅ Medical & Developmental History

– Review of health, sleep, feeding, and dental history 

– Discussion of concerns, symptoms, and goals

✅ Oral & Facial Muscle Function

– Strength, coordination, and tone of lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw

– Tongue posture and ability to suction to the palate

✅ Breathing Patterns

– Mouth breathing vs. nasal breathing

– Resting posture of lips and tongue

✅ Swallowing & Chewing Skills

– How food and liquids are managed

– Signs of compensations or difficulties

✅ Speech & Habits Screening

– Quick look at speech clarity

– Review of habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, or teeth grinding

✅ Frenum & Structural Review

– Evaluation of tongue tie, lip tie, or other oral restrictions

– Jaw, bite, and facial structure observations

✅ Individualized Recommendations

– A clear explanation of findings

– Guidance on whether therapy is recommended

– Referrals to other providers if needed (dentist, ENT, lactation consultant, etc.)

In addition, the evaluation includes:

• A review of your health/case history forms/questionnaires
• Photographs and videos of facial/oral structures, oral functions, and general face and body alignment (sometimes I am provided these by your referring dentist or ENT)
• A review of assessment findings
• Referrals to additional necessary providers 
• An Evaluation Report
• Treatment Plan (if you proceed with therapy/treatment)

An Evaluation takes about 60-90 minutes and is conducted in our Center or via Telehealth. A small 3.5% processing fee will be added to all transactions. 

ASSESSMENT FEES:

• $495- Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment - Available In Office or Telehealth. Includes a Comprehensive Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Report which is formal detailed narrative report including clinical impressions, recommendations, prognosis, additional referrals, therapeutic goals and much more. 
• This initial 60–90 minute assessment is the most important step in understanding the full picture of how your (or your child’s) mouth, face, and airway are functioning. 
• These evaluation reports are filled with valuable information and provide the big picture, telling a complete story for each client and are invaluable to share with other members of your Myofunctional Team or to use as a baseline to measure your progress against. With your consent, I will send a copy of the report to your referring physician/release provider.  

We will not initiate therapy for any individual who has not completed the Initial Assessment — that would be like trying to write a prescription without ever doing an exam.

The assessment is the foundation of everything we do. It allows us to fully understand the root causes of oral and facial dysfunction, identify the right muscles to target, and create a plan that’s safe, effective, and completely customized. Without this step, therapy would be guesswork — and we don’t guess with health.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

STEP ONE - REGISTRATION

• Once your assessment is booked, you will receive a registration link. 
• Registration must be completed within 24 hours of scheduling in order to secure and confirm your assessment time.
• During the Registration Process, you will be asked to provide a valid Credit Card as your form of payment. 
• All assessment fees are processed in advance at the time of scheduling to secure and hold your appointment time. *To allow fair access to appointment availability for our waitlist, please note that once an appointment is processed and scheduled, it is non-refundable. As a courtesy, we allow one reschedule of the assessment with 48 hours written notification.

STEP TWO - PAPERWORK/INTAKE FORMS - Once your Myofunctional Assessment is secured, you will receive forms to complete.  This step in the process includes Informed Consent Forms, Patient Registration, Intake Forms and  Specific Questionnaires related to your case. 

• This intake process provides information that is incorporated as part of your overall assessment.
• These forms must be completed and emailed back to me 48 hours prior to your assessment

STEP THREE - INITIATE TREATMENT 

After the Assessment:

If therapy is recommended, we’ll discuss next steps and begin the enrollment process to create a personalized therapy plan and a curated box of tools to support progress at home.

This assessment is the foundation for all treatment — it’s where we connect the dots and create a clear, customized plan for better oral and airway health.

We are licensed in the states of Florida and California. All assessments and treatment are offered via Teletherapy. We do offer in home/in office assessment and therapy to our local clients on a case by case basis. I hope this helps you feel ready to move forward with that first assessment. To book your initial evaluation with Myofunctional Spot™ please click here.