ROBYN MERKEL-WALSH M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®

Publications, Research and Resources.

Evidence-based practice resources for parents and professionals.

An Open Letter to The Informed SLP

Read Robyn Merkel-Walsh's open letter addressing evidence-based practice in oral motor therapy and OPT.

TOTs Paper on Feeding, Speech and Sleep

Recent studies suggest that speech, solid feeding, and sleep difficulties may be linked to restricted tongue function. Children with tongue restrictions underwent lingual frenectomies with a CO2 laser, paired with myofunctional exercises. Overall, speech improved in 89%, solid feeding improved in 83%, and sleep improved in 83% of patients.

TalkTools® Publications by Robyn Merkel-Walsh

TalkTools® was created to provide the best Oral-Placement Therapy (OPT) techniques, training, and tools to clients, therapists and parents. Our therapy techniques add a tactile component to feeding and speech therapy, enabling clients to "feel" the movements necessary for speech clarity.

Functional Assessment and Remediation of TOTs

This book is the go-to, comprehensive, evidence-based manual for the assessment and treatment of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) in infants, children and adults. Co-authored by Robyn Merkel-Walsh and Char Boshart.

A Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding

A Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding is an evidence-based text that teaches clinicians and parents alike the underpinnings of feeding disorders in a variety of diagnoses.

OPT-S Card Set

TalkTools® original Oral Placement to Speech Kit (OPT-S) is an innovative articulation program designed to translate muscle movements into speech sound production.

Lamar University Vocology

Robyn's paper on muscle tension dysphonia and ankyloglossia with The Breathe Institute inspired her to pursue a graduate certification in vocology at Lamar University.

The Breathe Institute

Robyn is an Ambassador and guest faculty member of The Breathe Institute, dedicated to interdisciplinary care for airway health and breathing disorders.

Buccal Ties Paper

The buccal frenum is connective tissue that adheres the mucosa of the cheek to the alveolar process. When restricted, this condition is commonly known as a buccal- or cheek-tie. This paper reviews classification, diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

OPT and Evidence Based Practice

This resource compiles articles, poster presentations, peer-reviewed journals, blogs and podcasts as a comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to learn more about OPT, Myofunctional, Feeding and more.

SMILE Program Complete

The SMILE (SysteMatic Intervention for Lingual Elevation) Program is a fun and effective way to remediate orofacial myofunctional challenges in children 4–12, teens and adults.

NYT Letter to the Editor — 12/18/2023

Read Robyn Merkel-Walsh's reply to an article in the New York Times titled "Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babies' Tongues." Robyn goes into great detail describing the inaccuracies in this article decrying frenectomies and tongue tie release.

Oral Motor Institute (OMI)

The OMI is established to publish monographs that demonstrate the evidence base of oral sensory and motor techniques for articulation, motor speech, and feeding treatment. Its mission is to expand knowledge about sensory and motor components of development, disorders, assessment and treatment.

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM)

Robyn has four contributions in the IJOM that are included in the top ten downloads of all time.

Tethered Oral Tissues (Resource Page)

Robyn is an author, international lecturer, and subject matter expert on the diagnosis and treatment of Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs).