Evaluation & Therapy Services
Connections Speech & Language Center provides speech, language, occupational, and myofunctional therapy for children, teens, and adults in Lansing, MI. We also specialize in pre- and post-frenectomy care.
Our Step-by-Step Evaluation Process
We’ll start with an evaluation to learn all about your child’s strengths and challenges, as well as your family’s goals. As parents, you’ll be invited to share your input and ideas from the very beginning, because you know your child best!
Once testing is complete, we’ll review the results together, set some meaningful therapy goals, and outline next steps. We also collaborate with your referring doctor, dentist, or orthodontist so that everyone is on the same page.
Our Approach to Therapy
At Connections, we strive to build strong connections before building skills. Our therapy is play-based, family-centered, and celebrates neurodiversity— with sessions designed around your child’s unique interests and goals. We make therapy fun and meaningful for the whole family!
Parents are always an active part of the process, both participating in sessions and supporting growth at home. We’ll take a team approach to therapy and walk with you every step of the way.
Speech & Language Therapy
In speech therapy, we’ll follow your child’s lead and support their communication during play! Whether your child communicates with gestures, signs, spoken words, or AAC, we’ll listen to your family’s goals and help them grow. Speech therapy will help your child:
Learn preverbal skills (the building blocks to talking)
Understand what they’re told and follow directions
Express themselves using speech and/or AAC
Speak clearly and master challenging speech sounds
Confidently engage with family and friends
Occupational Therapy (OT)
In occupational therapy, we’ll build new skills by weaving the “just right” challenge into your child’s favorite activities! Our sessions focus on enhancing your child’s physical, cognitive, and sensory skills so that they can reach their fullest potential. Working as a team, we’ll help them:
Perform small, precise movements needed for tasks like writing, drawing, using scissors, eating with a fork, or buttoning their shirt
Perform large, general movements for activities like crawling, running, walking, jumping, hitting, catching, and throwing
Process visual information and sensations in their environment
Participate fully in daily life activities, using assistive technology and environmental modifications as needed
Myofunctional Therapy
for Children, Teens, & Adults
Myofunctional therapy addresses underlying muscle patterns that impact speech, sleep, and oral health, helping children, teens, and adults make lasting change.
Our Approach to Myofunctional Therapy
At Connections Speech & Language Center, myofunctional therapy is individualized, family-centered, and rooted in collaboration. We focus on creating a positive and supportive environment where progress feels achievable and celebrated.
Our approach emphasizes:
Beginning with an evaluation that looks at the whole picture of speech, breathing, and oral function
Ongoing communication with families and medical providers
Practical exercises and routines designed to fit naturally into everyday life
Close collaboration with dentists, orthodontists, and other providers so care feels connected and seamless
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Myofunctional therapy creates lasting changes that go beyond the therapy room. With consistent support and practice, children, teens, and adults often experience:
Clearer speech and sound development
Improved nasal breathing and sleep quality
More efficient eating and chewing patterns
Reduced jaw pain or tension
Prevention of orthodontic relapse or changes
Positive habit elimination (like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use)
Increased confidence in daily life
We also specialize in pre- and post-frenectomy care. Click here for more information.
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Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth and face. It strengthens the lips, tongue, and cheeks, while retraining how these muscles work together for speaking, eating, and breathing.
The goal is to create healthy patterns that support better speech, feeding, swallowing, and breathing.
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Some common signs include:
Tongue-tie and lip-ties
Mouth breathing or open-mouth resting posture
Speech concerns or sound errors
Prolonged use of bottles, pacifiers, or thumb/finger sucking
Tongue thrust or unusual swallowing patterns
TMJ or jaw pain
Dental changes such as open bite or protruding teeth
Trouble sleeping, snoring, or enlarged tonsils/adenoids
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Yes. We believe collaboration is key to success. Our team works closely with dentists, orthodontists, and other providers to make sure care is connected and you feel supported every step of the way.
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Although you may have been referred to us by a dentist or orthodontist, myofunctional therapy is billed to your medical insurance.
Not all plans cover myofunctional therapy. Contact us for more information.
Commonly Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
Pre- and Post-Frenectomy Care
For families navigating a tongue tie, lip tie, or other tethered oral tissue, the process can feel overwhelming. At Connections Speech & Language Center, we walk alongside you every step of the way so you feel prepared, supported, and confident in the care your child receives. With the right support before and after the procedure, children are more comfortable, healing is smoother, and therapy outcomes are stronger.
Before the Procedure
At Connections Speech & Language Center, we provide pre-frenectomy care to position your child for success. Our sessions will focus on:
A thorough evaluation to understand your child’s needs and readiness
Education on what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure
Gentle exercises to help strengthen muscles
Clear guidance on scheduling and insurance questions
After the Procedure
We stay closely involved after the frenectomy to support healing and maximize results. Post-frenectomy care includes:
Frequent follow-up sessions to monitor progress and comfort
Step-by-step guidance for wound care, stretches, and exercises
Therapy activities that help establish healthy oral function
Ongoing collaboration with your dentist or surgeon to keep care connected