Connecting Speech to Function: A Clinical Introduction to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Warren County Speech Language Hearing Association Presents:

Connecting Speech to Function: A Clinical Introduction to
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Helping SLPs Recognize Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in School-Age Children

By:

Dina Ezagui

Monday, October 12, 2026

Pather Valley Golf Club
One Forest Drive, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

This workshop is sponsored by Warren County Speech Language Hearing Association (NJDOE Provider #965) 5.0 contact hours of continuing education units towards the NJ state license for speech language pathology.  This workshop is not ASHA approved but CEUs are accepted by ASHA as described on their website.

Presenter

Dina helps children and adults with orofacial myofunctional disorders, and teaching SLPs and other professionals how to support their own clients’ healthy airways and sleep. She’s passionate about expanding her own knowledge and skills, and she’s committed to helping families find real answers when faced with a child’s challenging growth, development, sleep, and behavioral issues.  Dina’s 20 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, 10 years as a teacher, degree in Educational Leadership, and extensive training and mentorship all come together in her comprehensive course, The Myo Approach, for SLPs. Healthy breathing is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. And it’s Dina’s mission to help SLPs and other professionals recognize the powerful ways Myo therapy can make an impact on their work and in their clients’ lives!

Workshop Description

This one-day live training provides speech-language pathologists with an introduction to orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and their impact on speech, breathing, sleep, and craniofacial development. Participants will explore the underlying functional and structural factors that contribute to persistent articulation disorders, oral rest posture differences, and oral habits commonly seen in school-age children. The course will review the signs and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, including both daytime and nighttime indicators, and examine how airway function influences speech outcomes.

Participants will receive an overview of the orofacial myofunctional evaluation process and learn practical strategies for screening children within the scope of speech-language pathology. The training will emphasize clinical observation and reasoning to help clinicians recognize patterns that may indicate underlying myofunctional disorders. Attendees will also learn how oral rest posture, breathing patterns, and swallowing function relate to speech production and overall orofacial development.

In addition, the course will introduce the goals and principles of myofunctional therapy, including foundational strategies to support nasal breathing, appropriate oral rest posture, and functional swallowing patterns. The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with airway-focused providers will also be discussed to support comprehensive care. By the end of the training, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to identify potential OMDs and will be better equipped to recognize when a functional, airway-informed approach may be necessary to support speech outcomes.

Learner Outcomes

  1. Identify symptoms and causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders
  2. Learn the day and nighttime symptoms of sleep disordered breathing
  3. How rest posture, oral habits, structure and oral rest posture impact articulation
  4. An overview of the orofacial myofunctional evaluation
  5. How to screen school age children with OMDs and how to collaborate with the airway team
  6. The goals of myofunctional therapy, some strategies to help children with oral rest posture, nasal breathing, and swallowing

Schedule

8:30 Registration/Continental Breakfast
9:00-12:00 Session 1
12:00-12:45 Lunch (Fully Catered)
12:45-1:00 WCSHLA Business Meeting
1:00- 3:00 Session 2

Who Should Attend?

Speech-language specialists working in school settings as well as child study team members, special educators and classroom teachers will benefit from this timely and informative workshop.

Special Request

Please submit any requests for accommodation for special needs in writing with your registration. Thank you!

Refund Policy

100% is refunded if you cannot attend the seminar providing WCSHLA notified in writing at least one week prior to the seminar.

Handouts will be made available 1 week prior to conference.