What I Was Missing in Feeding Therapy: ARFID, Airway, and Myo with Samy Hernandez

When pediatric therapists treat feeding and speech in isolation, critical underlying root causes are easily overlooked. From jaw instability and retained primitive reflexes to phonological processes that are actually unaddressed motor speech deficits, true clinical progress requires an integrated, whole-system framework.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin welcomes back returning guest Samy Hernandez, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ASDCS, CPFT™, a pediatric speech-language pathologist at B Well Tots. Samy reflects on her clinical evolution since becoming one of the very first Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapists™ and making the pivotal decision to integrate Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) directly into her practice.

About the Guest: Samy Hernandez, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CPFT™

Samy Hernandez is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), and Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist™ (CPFT™) at B Well Tots, where she provides neurodiversity-affirming, child-led therapy built through trust, play, and curiosity.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Two Sides of the Same Coin: Why pediatric feeding therapy and myofunctional therapy (OMT) cannot be separated when treating complex oral-motor and airway challenges.
• How OPT & OMT Enhance Practice: Integrating Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and myofunctional tools to strengthen diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes.
• Rethinking Speech Sound Hierarchies: Questioning traditional phonological processes and exploring how motor speech hierarchies provide a clearer roadmap for children with PFD and OMD.
• Interdisciplinary Team Care: Structuring seamless collaboration between SLPs, OTs, ENTs, and bodyworkers working toward shared goals for the same child.

Soundbites

"Pediatric feeding therapy and myofunctional therapy were never two separate things - they are two sides of the same coin."

"When you evaluate speech through a motor speech hierarchy, you realize how many 'phonological processes' are actually unaddressed jaw instability."

Timestamps

01:25 – Guest Introduction: Hallie Bulkin introduces speech-language pathologist Samy Hernandez.

02:14 – Clinical Practice Updates: Samy Hernandez shares updates on moving to Philadelphia and incorporating myo therapy into her daily practice.

05:00 – Airway & ARFID: Samy Hernandez and Hallie Bulkin discuss addressing root airway issues before treating feeding disorders.

16:50 – Motor vs. Phonology: Hallie Bulkin and Samy Hernandez explore how speech errors often stem from motor constraints rather than phonological processes.

26:03 – Jaw Stability & Speech: Samy Hernandez and Hallie Bulkin detail how jaw grading directly impacts speech sounds like /r/.

34:47 – Neurodiversity-Affirming Myo: Samy Hernandez explains adapting myofunctional therapy for autistic children using sensory movement and play.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Samy Hernandez on Instagram @happyhandsSLP : Book an appointment, explore clinical services, and view practice resources at B Well Tots.
• Become the Pediatric Feeding Therapist Who Knows Exactly What to Do With Every Child https://www.feedthepeds.com/.
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