Editor's Corner: Tribute to Rosemarie Van Norman

This issue of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology is dedicated as a tribute to Rosemarie Van Norman and her contributions to the International Association of Orofacial Myology. On Thursday, August 12, 2010 the International Association of Orofacial Myology lost one of its most beloved and respected members. Rose was one of the pioneers of the International Association of Orofacial Myology. She dedicated her life to her ‘little suckers’ as she so often referred to the children she served with digit habits. Rose demonstrated for all of us the importance and benefits of a prevention program directed at diminishing orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Rose became an IAOM Certified Orofacial Myologist in 1976. She served as a member of the IAOM Board of Examiners since 1983. She was an instructor for IAOM approved courses on the evaluation and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders and digit habits. Rosemarie maintained a private practice in Omaha, Nebraska for 36 years. During that time she provided therapy for literally thousands of individuals. She was widely recognized for her highly successful motivational program of positive behavior modification in helping individuals overcome their digit habits.

As a dedicated member of IAOM, she was also an instructor for IAOM approved training courses, often teaming up with other IAOM pioneers, Roberta Pierce and Dr. Marvin Hanson, in providing Level I, Introductory Course: Evaluation and Treatment of Orofacial

Myofunctional Disorders and Digit-sucking Habits. She authored numerous papers that have been published in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology:

• Digit Sucking: An Area of Benign Neglect. I.J.O.M. Vol. 10, No. 2. (1984)
• Van Norman, R. (1985). Digit Sucking: It’s Time for an Attitude Adjustment or A Rationale for the Early Elimination of Digit-Sucking Habits Through Positive Behavior Modification. I.J.O.M. Vol. 11, No. 2, 1985.
• Van Norman, R. (1992). Avoiding Failure When Treating Digit-Sucking Habits Through Careful Patient Selection. I.J.O.M. Vol. 18 1992.
• Digit-Sucking: A Review of the Literature, Clinical Observations and Treatment Recommendations. I.J.O.M. Vol. 23 1997.

Rosemarie authored the book, Helping the Thumb-Sucking Child, published by Avery Publishing Group in 1999, which received outstanding reviews in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Journal of Dental Hygiene, ASHA Leader, Booklist and Chicago Parent. Contemporary Pediatrics published her paper, “Why we can’t afford to ignore prolonged digit sucking”, in its June 2001 edition.

Rose presented at numerous dental, medical, speech and teaching conferences often being invited to speak on multiple occasions for the same groups throughout the United States. She appeared as a guest on the nationally broadcast television program The View to discuss her program for digit-sucking children, and the importance of prevention of orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Rose was a mentor, treasured friend and colleague to many members of IAOM. She was always available to answer questions, and she provided assistance to others in many ways. Her tireless efforts simplified the complexities of digit-sucking behavior for patients, parents and other professionals.

Rose ranked as an International expert and spearheaded the movement of using positive reinforcement to overcome digit habits with young children. She was an unsurpassed leader in addressing and clarifying the confusing, erroneous, and inaccurate information available to parents prior to her book. Rose’s clinical enthusiasm for each child to succeed became an inspiration and aspiration for all clinicians who viewed her therapy.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Danielle, of Omaha.

Please take a moment and join me in reflecting on Rose’s contributions and dedication to the IAOM, the patients she served, and the many colleagues who benefited from knowing her and the learning from her. Listen quietly and perhaps we may still hear Rosie’s wonderful laugh echo through our memory.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Taylor, M.Ed. COM, CCC-SLP

Editor/IJOM