As Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists serving Central PA, we help parents understand the crucial connection between breathing patterns and academic success.
Think of your brain as a high-performance engine – it needs proper oxygen flow to function at its best.
When children habitually breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, they often don’t get the optimal oxygen levels needed for focused learning and cognitive development.
The Brain-Breathing Connection
Recent research shows that chronic mouth breathing can significantly impact brain function and development. Through our local healthcare partnerships, we’ve observed how improper breathing patterns affect everything from attention span to information processing. Nasal breathing isn’t just preferable – it’s essential for optimal brain oxygenation and cognitive performance.
Impact on Classroom Performance
Working closely with parents and students from across Central PA school districts, we’ve documented how mouth breathing affects specific aspects of learning:
Focus and Attention
Students with habitual mouth breathing often struggle with:
- Sustained attention during lessons
- Task completion
- Information processing speed
- Following multi-step instructions
- Active classroom participation
Academic Achievement
Our collaboration with local educators reveals common challenges:
- Lower test performance due to concentration issues
- Difficulty with reading comprehension
- Struggles with complex problem-solving
- Reduced participation in class discussions
- Behavioral changes often mistaken for ADHD
Supporting Your Child’s Success
At Valley OMT in Camp Hill, we work with school support teams to implement accommodations while addressing underlying breathing issues. Our treatment approach includes:
Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate breathing patterns, muscle function, and their impact on learning through detailed assessments coordinated with your child’s educational team.
Customized Treatment Plans
Treatment typically spans 3-6 months, with many students showing improved classroom performance within the first 6-8 weeks of therapy.
School Collaboration
We provide guidance for teachers and school nurses, helping them understand and support proper breathing patterns during school hours.
Success in Local Schools
Take Action for Academic Success
Located conveniently off Route 11/15 in Camp Hill, Valley OMT serves families throughout Central PA, including Mechanicsburg, Lemoyne, and the West Shore area. We coordinate with school districts, IEP teams, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support for your child’s learning journey.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly will we see improvements in school performance? A: Many students show increased attention span and better classroom participation within 6-8 weeks of treatment.
Q: Can mouth breathing be mistaken for learning disabilities? A: Yes, breathing-related attention issues often mirror learning disabilities or ADHD. We work with local specialists to ensure accurate assessment.
Q: How do you coordinate with schools? A: We provide detailed reports and recommendations for teachers and can participate in IEP/504 meetings when needed.
Contact our Camp Hill office today to learn how we can help your child achieve their full academic potential through proper breathing patterns and targeted therapy.