Beckman Oral Motor Approach in Feeding Therapy

Helping children eat safely, comfortably, and confidently.

What Is the Beckman Oral Motor Approach?

The Beckman Oral Motor Protocol is a hands-on therapy approach created by Debra Beckman, MS, CCC-SLP. It focuses on improving the movement, strength, and coordination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw — the muscles needed for eating, drinking, and speaking.


Therapists use gentle stretches, pressure, and movement exercises to help children develop the motor skills needed for feeding. It’s often used with children who have difficulty sucking, chewing, swallowing, or moving food in their mouths.

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Struggle to transition from bottles to cups or purees to solid foods

Drool often or have weak lip/tongue control

Pocket food in their cheeks or gag easily

Have low muscle tone, sensory sensitivities, or developmental delays

It can be used with infants, toddlers, and older children, and works well even for children who cannot follow verbal directions.

How It Works in Feeding Therapy

  • Assessment

    A trained speech or occupational therapist evaluates your child’s oral motor skills and feeding abilities.

  • Therapy Sessions

    The therapist uses the Beckman techniques to increase strength, movement, and coordination in the mouth.

  • Practice at Home

    Families learn simple exercises and feeding strategies to continue progress between sessions.

  • Progress Review

    Skills are monitored and feeding goals are updated as your child improves.

A woman is playing with a child who is playing with blocks.
A woman is playing with a child who is playing with blocks.

Why Choose Beckman Oral Motor Therapy

Builds the foundation for safe, efficient feeding

Addresses the physical cause of feeding difficulties

Works alongside sensory and behavioral feeding approaches

Encourages smoother transitions to new textures and utensils

Helps reduce frustration and increase confidence at mealtimes

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What to Expect at Our Clinic

At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our feeding specialists are trained in the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol. We personalize each treatment plan to meet your child’s unique needs, combining oral motor, sensory, and functional feeding therapy for the best outcomes.

Therapy sessions are fun, supportive, and family-focused — helping your child feel successful while building lifelong feeding skills.

Schedule a Feeding Evaluation

If your child struggles with eating, chewing, or swallowing, early support can make a big difference.


Contact us today to schedule a feeding evaluation or learn more about the Beckman Oral Motor Approach.

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