Speech, language, and velopharyngeal dysfunction: Management throughout the life of an individual with cleft palate

Abstract

One of the often-stated goals of cleft care is to establish normal speech. As providers, we attempt to achieve this goal in the face of the structural deficits of the cleft palate, a changing velopharyngeal environment, a developing dentofacial structure, and a propensity for hearing loss. We attempt to do this understanding that velopharyngeal competence is essential to normal speech learning.We are also working within a "speech readiness" period. If normal speech is not established or if maladaptive speech is not extinguished during this "readiness period," results can be less than optimal. This chapter will review the challenges and factors that influence the outcome of managing speech, language, and velopharyngeal dysfunction throughout the life of an individual with cleft palate.