The Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Arizona Families
- juniperspeechtherapy
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
When it comes to supporting your child’s development, the answers aren't always as simple as they seem. Many families in Arizona seek speech therapy to address issues like unclear speech, picky eating, restless sleep, or chronic mouth breathing—without realizing those symptoms may all point to a deeper root cause.
That’s where Myofunctional Therapy comes in.
As a Speech-Language Pathologist and Myofunctional Therapist based in Phoenix, I help families uncover the hidden connections between breathing, oral function, speech, feeding, and sleep—and provide therapy that actually addresses the whole child.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on the muscles and function of the mouth, face, and airway. It targets four key goals:
Nasal breathing (instead of mouth breathing)
Proper tongue posture (resting on the roof of the mouth)
Lips closed at rest
A healthy, coordinated swallow pattern
When these patterns aren’t functioning correctly, they can affect everything from speech clarity to sleep quality, and many children go years without a clear explanation for why they’re struggling.
What Are the Benefits for Arizona Families?
Myofunctional therapy is root-cause care and that’s why it works. It doesn’t just mask symptoms; it helps children build stronger foundations for growth and development.
Here are some of the most common benefits:
✅ Clearer Speech
Persistent articulation errors (like a slushy /s/ or distorted /r/) often relate to low tongue posture or poor oral habits, not just a speech sound issue.
✅ Better Breathing & Sleep
Mouth breathing impacts oxygen levels, posture, and nervous system regulation. Training the body to breathe through the nose supports calmer energy, better sleep, and improved focus.
✅ Easier Feeding
Tongue ties, tongue thrust, or poor oral coordination can make chewing and swallowing difficult or messy. Therapy helps normalize function and improve mealtime success.
✅ Stronger Regulation
Myofunctional therapy supports nervous system balance by addressing posture, oxygenation, and jaw stability, making it easier for kids to stay calm, focused, and emotionally regulated.
✅ Support for Orthodontics
Improper tongue posture and swallowing patterns can cause orthodontic relapse after braces. Addressing the underlying function helps protect your investment.
Why Work with a Speech-Language Pathologist?
As a licensed SLP, I’m uniquely qualified to address all areas of an orofacial myofunctional disorder including:
Speech articulation
Feeding and swallowing
Breathing and airway patterns
Oral-motor skills
Functional carryover into communication and daily life
You won’t have to juggle multiple providers or guess what’s going on. I assess the big picture and create a therapy plan that makes sense for your child.
Myofunctional Therapy + ESA Funding
Arizona families who home educate can use their Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds to pay for Myofunctional Therapy when services are provided by a licensed SLP (like me!).
If your child is home educated and qualifies for ESA special education funding, you are eligible for ESA funds to cover Speech Therapy costs. I’ll help you with documentation, billing through ClassWallet, and making the process smooth.
Juniper Speech Therapy: Rooted in Function.
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, I offer:
Holistic Speech, Feeding, and Myofunctional evaluations
1:1 therapy sessions (in person and virtual)
Parent education and home support
ESA-compliant services, invoices, and documentation
An individualized, child-centered approach
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re in Arizona and looking for a Speech-Language Pathologist who understands the deeper layers of function, growth, and development, let’s talk.
📍 Phoenix, AZ | Serving families statewide
🎓 Accepts ESA | Holistic Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
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