Publications.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh is a prolific author, researcher, and international lecturer. Below you will find her published works, peer-reviewed research, and professional resources spanning oral motor therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, feeding, and Tethered Oral Tissues.
An Open Letter to The Informed SLP
A letter in response to the article from The Informed SLP titled "The One Where We Tackle Misconceptions on Orofacial Myology."
Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP and Danielle Carey
NYT Letter to the Editor — 12/18/2023
Robyn's detailed reply to the New York Times article "Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babies' Tongues," dismantling its inaccuracies with documentation and research.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP
A Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding
An evidence-based text teaching clinicians and parents the underpinnings of feeding disorders across a variety of diagnoses. One of TalkTools® most popular books.
Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP & Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP
Buccal Ties Paper
Peer-reviewed research examining the buccal frenum, restrictive buccal frena, and trends in diagnosis and treatment among 466 healthcare professionals.
Baxter, Merkel-Walsh, Lahey, Knudsen and Zaghi
Functional Assessment and Remediation of TOTs
The comprehensive, evidence-based manual for the assessment and treatment of Tethered Oral Tissues in infants, children, and adults — including the Merkel-Walsh & Overland TOTs Protocol.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP
International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM)
The IJOM is dedicated to the study and management of orofacial myofunctional disorders. Robyn is a former Associate Editor and has several papers published in this journal.
IAOM Publication — Robyn Merkel-Walsh, Associate Editor
OPT and Evidence-Based Practice
A curated resource of articles, poster presentations, peer-reviewed journals, blogs, and podcasts supporting oral placement, myofunctional, and feeding therapies.
TalkTools® Publications Page
OPT-S Card Set
An innovative articulation program translating muscle movements into speech sound production, designed for children and adults with muscle-based speech disorders.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh and Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson
Oral Motor Institute
The OMI publishes monographs demonstrating the evidence base of oral sensory and motor techniques for articulation, motor speech, and feeding treatment. Robyn serves as Board Chair.
Board Chair: Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP/COM®
Lamar University Vocology
Robyn's research on muscle tension dysphonia and ankyloglossia inspired her to pursue a graduate certification in vocology through Lamar University.
Lamar University — Graduate Certification Program
SMILE Program Complete
The SysteMatic Intervention for Lingual Elevation (SMILE) Program — a fun and effective way to remediate orofacial myofunctional challenges in a 14-step hierarchy.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP/COM®
TOTs Paper: Feeding, Speech and Sleep
Research demonstrating that speech, solid feeding, and sleep difficulties may be linked to restricted tongue function, with outcomes across 37 pediatric patients post-frenectomy.
Baxter, Merkel-Walsh, Baxter, Lashley and Rendell
TalkTools® Publications by Robyn Merkel-Walsh
Robyn has been an instructor, product developer, and consultant for TalkTools® since 1998. This page leads to most of her courses, publications, and resources.
TalkTools®
Tethered Oral Tissues
Robyn is an author, international lecturer, and subject matter expert on the diagnosis and treatment of Tethered Oral Tissues, with a comprehensive assessment and treatment protocol.
Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP
The Breathe Institute
Robyn is an Ambassador and Guest Faculty at The Breathe Institute, presenting for Myo Masterminds and teaching an Ethics and Scope of Practice course.
Dr. Zaghi, Medical Director