ORP: The Missing Piece to Remediating Speech & Facilitating Habituation with Tricia H. Rogers

Guest: Tricia H. Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/orp-the-missing-piece

Every moving body part has an ideal place to rest when not in use, and the moving mouth parts are no different. In this episode, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tricia H. Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore Oral Resting Posture (ORP) and why it is often the missing piece in remediating speech and supporting carryover for preschool and school-age children. Char and Tricia define a desirable oral resting posture and highlight common characteristics of undesirable ORPs frequently observed in young learners. They explain how ORP positions the lips, tongue, and jaw in an efficient operating zone that supports stability and movement for accurate sound production and connected speech. The episode also provides practical, developmentally appropriate ways to introduce ORP concepts to preschoolers and school-age children, with clear expectations for therapy. Char and Tricia share ORP techniques that build self-monitoring, improve muscle endurance, and support habituation so gains extend beyond structured practice and into everyday communication.

About the Guest: Tricia H. Rogers, MS-CCC, is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the field. For over two decades, she has specialized in orofacial myofunctional disorders, working with children to improve their breathing, oral rest posture, and overall oral function. Alongside running a private practice, Tricia mentors, presents, and consults with professionals nationwide. She is also the creator and author of Miss Tongue and Friends—a children’s book series that makes myofunctional concepts simple, fun, and engaging. These books are now being used by therapists, educators, and families as practical resources to support healthy oral development and lifelong habits. Through her Miss Tongue and Friends books, Tricia is bringing these important skills to children around the world in a way that feels playful, approachable, and empowering.