Racine & Me: Some speech and sleep concerns in children may be more connected than parents realize
RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Some speech, feeding, and even sleep concerns in children may be more connected than many parents realize.
Elyse Scheeler joined Racine & Me to talk about orofacial myofunctional disorders, often referred to as OMDs, and why early intervention can make a major difference for children and families.
Scheeler is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Needs Advocate and Homeschooling Coach who specializes in communication, feeding, and myofunctional therapy through her Mount Pleasant-based practice, Speaking Life Speech Therapy & Wellness.
According to Scheeler, common signs of orofacial myofunctional disorders can include mouth breathing, tongue thrust, low tongue posture, prolonged pacifier or thumb use, difficulty chewing or swallowing, persistent speech sound errors, snoring, disrupted sleep, crowded teeth, and a history of tongue or lip tie.
Scheeler explained these issues can affect much more than speech alone.
“OMDs don't just affect how a child speaks — they can impact breathing, sleep quality, dental and facial development, and even behavior and attention,” Scheeler said.
She said early identification is important because untreated concerns can continue to build over time.
At Speaking Life, Scheeler said the focus is on understanding the root cause behind symptoms rather than only treating what appears on the surface.
“We don't just treat the symptom in front of us — we ask why it's happening,” she said.
Speaking Life serves both children and adults, including infants with feeding difficulties, school-age children with speech and myofunctional concerns, and adults seeking support for swallowing, airway health, or communication.
Scheeler also hosts the “Speaking Life into Motherhood” podcast, which provides education, encouragement, and support for families navigating communication, feeding, and developmental differences.
Website: www.speakinglife.co
Facebook Page here
Podcast: Click here