The Role of the Jaw for Feeding and Speech

The function of the jaw for feeding and speech has long been the discussion of both speechlanguage pathologists and occupational therapists. This article will examine the relationship between jaw movements or jaw skill levels for feeding quality and speech clarity. What has been missing in our discussions concerning jaw function is the role the jaw plays in the development of speech sounds. Information about how to accurately identify jaw skill and how to treat any deficits which may be present has been vague or left out of assessment and treatment of speech and feeding skills. To aid in the understanding of the jaw and its role in feeding and speech, three diagnostic terms are consistently used in the literature and in therapy programs targeting the jaw: dissociation/differentiation, grading/control, and fixing (i.e., associative movements or lack of dissociation and grading).