Positioning

The mouth is connected to every part of the body. When a child’s body is tense or floppy, the mouth will not function well. Total patterns of extension, flexion, or asymmetry in the body pull the jaw, tongue, and lips into similar patterns. For example, when the child pushes back into extension, the tongue and lips may retract. This makes it harder to use the lips and tongue efficiently. Children with low tone tire easily during feeding. They often try to stabilize themselves by elevating the shoulder girdle and resting the head back. Providing support for the body and neck during play and at mealtime will help mouth skills improve. The physical comfort and support of the adult is also essential in the mealtime partnership.