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Speech-language therapy is care that helps kids:
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) — also called speech therapists — treat many types of communication and swallowing problems. They have at least a master's degree and state certification/licensure in the field, and a certificate of clinical competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Speech-language pathologists help kids with speech disorders (like stuttering), hearing problems, feeding problems, and other medical conditions, including cleft palate.
SLPs who work with children with cleft palate have extra training to recognize and treat specific problems caused by a cleft palate. Children born with a cleft palate may need speech-language therapy to help with problems such as:
An articulation disorder is when a child has trouble making specific sounds. "Cleft palate speech" refers to speech sound errors that are more common in kids with a cleft palate. These include:
A resonance disorder refers to an unusual amount of nasal sound energy when the child is talking, which can result in:
Hypernasality may mean that the child's palate is not working properly, called velopharyngeal dysfunction. This can make it hard for others to understand the child's speech, and might need further evaluation and treatment.
Speech therapy works best when a speech-language pathologist works one-on-one with a child. Sometimes, though, therapy is done in small groups.
The main goals to help children with "cleft palate speech" are to:
Speech therapy should begin as soon as possible. Children who start speech therapy early tend to have greater success. Therapy also can help older kids, but their progress can be slower because their motor patterns are more ingrained.
Support from parents is key to the success of a child's progress in speech therapy. Kids who complete the speech program quickest and with the longest-lasting results are those whose parents are involved.
Your therapist should give homework for you and your child to do after each session. Helping your child complete these activities will ensure continued progress and carryover of new skills. For example, practicing the P sound for 30 minutes a week in therapy is much more effective when it's also done for 10 minutes a day at home.
The process of overcoming a speech or language disorder can take some time and effort. So it's important that all family members be patient and understanding.
The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) lists cleft teams by state on their website. To be accredited by the ACPA, each team must have a speech-language pathologist on staff. Your team SLP can recommend other cleft-trained SLPs in your area if you want to use school-based and/or private services. Ask the local SLPs:
The SLP should be certified by ASHA.
Sometimes, speech assistants (who usually have a 2-year associate's or 4-year bachelor's degree) may help with speech-language services under the supervision of ASHA-certified SLPs. Your child's SLP should be licensed in your state and have experience working with kids and your child's specific disorder.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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