Oral Motor Weakness
at CST Academy

Stronger Muscles. Better Feeding. Healthier Habits.

At CST Academy, our feeding therapy services include specialized support for oral motor weakness, a condition that can make it difficult for children to chew, swallow, or manage food effectively. Whether your child struggles with drooling, food pocketing, or fatigue during meals, our team of expert therapists creates a customized plan to strengthen the muscles needed for safe and successful feeding. Therapy is fun, functional, and designed to help your child feel confident and capable at the table.

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What Is Oral Motor Weakness?

Oral motor weakness refers to reduced strength or coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, jaw, or tongue. These muscles play a critical role in feeding, swallowing, speech production, and overall oral function. At CST Academy, our therapists evaluate oral motor skills and develop targeted treatment plans that help children improve endurance, control, and coordination.

Through play-based activities and proven therapeutic techniques, we help children build the foundational skills they need to eat safely, speak clearly, and enjoy mealtimes without frustration or fatigue.

Why Choose CST Academy for Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy at CST Academy is about more than addressing symptoms—it’s about understanding the root cause of feeding challenges and building real, lasting solutions. Our therapists work collaboratively across disciplines, partnering with occupational, behavioral, and speech-language professionals to provide well-rounded care.

Families are part of the journey from day one. We offer clear communication, parent coaching, and at-home strategies so you feel supported and empowered every step of the way.

The CST Academy Difference

Choosing the right feeding therapy provider for oral motor weakness means finding a team that understands both the physical and emotional challenges your child may face at mealtimes. At CST Academy, we go beyond traditional therapy by creating a supportive, play-based environment where children feel encouraged to build strength and confidence. With expert therapists, personalized goals, and a collaborative care model, we help each child improve function while making therapy a positive, empowering experience.

Licensed, Highly Trained Feeding Therapists

Our team includes experts in pediatric feeding and oral motor development with deep knowledge of how muscle function affects eating and speech.

Family-Focused Collaboration

We involve parents in every step of the process—from evaluation to treatment planning—ensuring support continues at home.

Evidence-Based, Play-Based Treatment

Therapy sessions use fun, engaging exercises to strengthen oral muscles while keeping children motivated and relaxed.

Collaborative Therapy Model

Our therapists work alongside ABA, OT, PT, and speech specialists in one setting, allowing for coordinated care and faster, more holistic progress.

Helping Your Child Improve Oral Motor Skills

At CST Academy, our feeding therapy for oral motor weakness focuses on strengthening the foundational skills that support safe, effective eating and clear speech. Each session is designed to be engaging, child-friendly, and tailored to your child’s specific needs and developmental level.

Strengthening Lip, Tongue, and Jaw Muscles

We help children gradually become more comfortable being around new foods—starting with having them on the plate, touching them, and eventually smelling or interacting with them in fun, pressure-free ways. This gentle exposure builds familiarity and reduces fear, laying the groundwork for more adventurous eating.

Improving Chewing and Food Management

Children with oral motor weakness often struggle to break down food or move it properly within the mouth. We work on controlled jaw movement, tongue lateralization, and coordinated chewing to help your child safely and confidently manage a variety of food textures.

Reducing Drooling and Food Loss

Weak lip and jaw muscles can lead to frequent drooling, food spillage, and difficulty keeping food in the mouth. Through fun activities and exercises, we support stronger lip closure, increased oral awareness, and better control during eating and drinking.

Enhancing Swallow Coordination

Safe and efficient swallowing is critical for avoiding choking or gagging. We guide children through step-by-step sequences that build better timing, rhythm, and coordination between chewing and swallowing, while always prioritizing comfort and safety.

Building Meal Endurance and Reducing Fatigue

Oral motor weakness can cause children to tire quickly during meals. Our therapists help increase stamina through gradually extended tasks, rest breaks, and posture support so that children can participate fully in family mealtimes without frustration or avoidance.

Supporting Speech and Sound Clarity

Oral motor strength directly impacts articulation and sound production. While our primary goal is improved feeding, many children also experience clearer speech and better control over their voice as their oral muscles become stronger and more coordinated.

Start Your Journey with CST Academy Today

Getting started is easy. Our team is here to listen, guide, and create a care plan tailored to your child and your family.

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When to Seek Support for Oral Motor Weakness

Here are some common signs that may indicate it’s time to schedule an evaluation or begin feeding therapy focused on oral motor development. Every child is different, but early intervention can greatly improve feeding safety, speech clarity, and overall quality of life.

Frequent Drooling or Open-Mouth Posture

If your child often drools, especially outside of teething stages, or regularly keeps their mouth open at rest, it could indicate reduced oral muscle tone or awareness.

Difficulty Chewing or Managing Food

Children with oral motor weakness may struggle to chew thoroughly, take excessive time to eat, or pocket food in their cheeks instead of swallowing.

Choking, Gagging, or Coughing While Eating

Frequent choking, gagging, or coughing during meals can be signs that your child’s swallowing coordination needs support to ensure safe feeding.

Weak Lip Closure or Food Spillage

If your child has trouble keeping food and liquids in their mouth, especially while drinking from a straw or cup, they may benefit from targeted oral motor intervention.

Fatigue or Frustration During Meals

Children who tire easily during meals, refuse to eat after a few bites, or show frustration while eating may be compensating for low muscle endurance or inefficient movements.

Delayed Speech Sound Development

Since strong oral muscles are also essential for speech, signs like unclear articulation, difficulty producing certain sounds, or delayed babbling can also suggest oral motor weakness.

A Place Where Your Child Can Grow Stronger

Choosing CST Academy means choosing a place where your child’s challenges are met with understanding, encouragement, and expert support. We believe that every child has the ability to grow stronger, more confident, and more independent with the right tools and the right team beside them.

Oral motor weakness can impact daily life in subtle but significant ways—but progress is always possible. At CST Academy, we create a fun, pressure-free environment where children feel safe exploring new skills, gaining strength, and building trust in their abilities. We celebrate every small success, knowing that each one is a step toward greater comfort, confidence, and independence—at the table, in the classroom, and beyond.

Real Progress Starts with the Right Support

We had no idea our daughter’s feeding struggles were tied to oral motor weakness. CST Academy explained everything so clearly and made us feel supported from day one. After just a few months, she’s chewing better, eating more, and even starting to speak more clearly.

– Allison R.

CST Academy has been a game changer for our son. He used to drool constantly and avoided so many foods. Their therapists were patient, knowledgeable, and made therapy fun. Now he’s eating independently and even using new words—we couldn’t be happier.

– David K.

Our pediatrician recommended CST Academy when we noticed our toddler had trouble chewing and often gagged on textured foods. The team was amazing. They gave us hope and a clear plan, and now mealtimes are no longer a source of stress.

– Sandra E.

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Feeding Therapy for Oral Motor Weakness at CST Academy

Building Strength, Safety, and Confidence—One Bite at a Time

At CST Academy, our Feeding Therapy program offers expert support for children experiencing oral motor weakness, helping them develop the strength and coordination needed for safe and effective eating. Our skilled therapists use evidence-based techniques and playful exercises to target the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. With a personalized, whole-child approach, CST Academy creates a nurturing environment where children can make meaningful progress and feel confident at mealtimes.

Feeding Therapy