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Understanding the Suck-Swallow-Breathe (SSB) Synchrony: The MORE Framework for Clinical Practice

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Understanding the Suck-Swallow-Breathe (SSB) Synchrony: The MORE Framework for Clinical Practice

Understanding the Suck-Swallow-Breathe (SSB) Synchrony: The MORE Framework for Clinical Practice

CA$20.00
This course includes
 
Lifetime access after purchase
 
Certificate of completion
This course was recorded in September 2025

Overview

This course introduces the MORE framework—a clinical model that highlights the foundational role of suck-swallow-breathe (SSB) synchrony in neuromotor and sensorimotor development. MORE stands for Motor, Oral, Respiratory, and Eye (vision) integration and reflects the interrelated systems that influence function from infancy through adulthood.

Healthcare professionals working in pediatric care, neurorehabilitation, or feeding therapy will benefit from a deeper understanding of how SSB coordination supports regulation, motor skills, postural control, oral-motor development, and more.


What You'll Learn

This course provides a high-level overview of the neuromotor foundations of the SSB synchrony and how disruption in this synchrony can affect multiple areas of function. Through a clinical pre- and post-treatment case study, we’ll examine:

  • Key anatomical and physiological structures involved in SSB

  • Developmental systems affected by suboptimal SSB patterns

  • Evidence-informed strategies for assessment and intervention


Learning Objectives

After attending this course, healthcare professionals will be able to:

  1. Discuss the structures and mechanics underlying SSB synchrony

  2. Describe three or more developmental domains supported by intact SSB function

  3. Identify at least three clinical presentations resulting from atypical SSB coordination, and outline effective treatment approaches


Intended Audience

This session is designed for:

  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)

  • Physiotherapists (PTs)

  • Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

  • Clinicians working in pediatrics, feeding and swallowing, motor development, or neurodiversity


Why This Training Matters

Disruptions in the suck-swallow-breathe synchrony can have far-reaching impacts on a child's development—including feeding challenges, oral-motor dysfunction, respiratory irregularities, and delayed motor coordination. Understanding the MORE framework equips clinicians with a holistic lens for screening, assessment, and early intervention, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Elevate your clinical skills and expand your understanding of foundational developmental mechanisms.
Join us to integrate this evidence-informed approach into your physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology practice.

The instructors
Eileen Richter
MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA

Ms. Richter graduated with a BS in occupational therapy from the College of St Catherine and earned her Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Minnesota. She has over 40 years of pediatric experience in a variety of settings, including children's hospitals, public schools, preschools and neonatal intensive care units. She has extensive background in sensory integration theory and treatment, is NDT certified, and has completed the NDT Baby Course. She has lectured throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Asia on topics related to sensorimotor integration, oral motor/respiratory development and pediatric occupational therapy. 

Ms. Richter helped establish and Co-Directed the Avanti Camp in Wisconsin (a sensory integration summer camp for children with sensory processing disorders) for many years. Ms. Richter has been instrumental in bringing continuing education opportunities to thousands of therapists around the country through Professional Development Programs and is now developing therapeutic equipment and other resources under the brand Richter Active Integration Resources (RAIR).

Ms. Richter has published several professional books and articles on sensory-motor integration assessment and treatment for children with developmental delays and sensory processing dysfunction, including, MORE: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions, the MORE DVD and Out of the Mouths of Babes, Sensorimotor Integration for Developmentally Delayed Children and The Sensorimotor Performance Analysis.

Learn more about Eileen at: www.richterair.com; www.eppicot.com

Material included in this course
  • Course Materials
  • Welcome and Slides
  • Full presentation
  • Feedback
FAQs

This course is free for Embodia Members. You can learn more about the membership options available by visiting the Embodia membership pricing page.

Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.

This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.

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