Cleft lip and palate is a condition caused by structural defects of one or more of the structures such as the lips, hard palate, soft palate, teeth and nose. These structural defects cause the movements necessary for articulation not to be performed properly. As a result, this can lead to speech disorders. Speech disorders due to cleft lip and palate can be manifested by symptoms such as inability to produce sounds correctly, nasalization and difficulty saying words. Such disorders can be managed and treated with speech and language therapy.
How does cleft palate cause speech impairment?
Cleft palate occurs when the structures inside the mouth do not join normally. This causes one or more of the structures such as the lips, hard palate, soft palate, teeth and nose to be structurally defective. These disorders prevent the proper execution of the movements necessary for articulation.
For example, an incomplete closure of the palate can cause airflow to escape into the nose, which can lead to problems such as nasal speech. Also, the inability to make sounds correctly can lead to speech disorders, such as difficulty speaking and mispronouncing words. Such speech problems can be addressed and corrected with speech and language therapy.
What is the Prevalence of Cleft Lip and Palate?
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition and is seen at different rates in various ethnic and geographical groups. According to a study conducted in our country, there is approximately 1 case of cleft lip and palate in every 1000 births (Tunçbilek, 1973; cited in Aras, 1996).
This rate is consistent with the average rates worldwide, but may be higher or lower in some regions and ethnic groups. The cause of cleft lip and palate is usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What is the role of the speech-language pathologist in babies with cleft lip and palate?
Babies with isolated cleft lip usually do not have much trouble feeding or speaking. However, the role of the speech and language therapist is very important in clefts that involve the lip and palate or only the palate. Speech and language
The therapist helps these babies develop healthy speech and language skills.
The Role of the Therapist in Infancy
- Nutrition Assistance: One of the most serious problems in the newborn period is feeding. The speech and language therapist guides parents on special bottle and feeding techniques. They also provide information about positions and methods to be considered during feeding.
- Early Intervention: When the baby is 6-12 months old, the therapist should assess communication skills and guide the family on how to improve receptive and expressive language skills.
The Role of the Therapist between 12 Months and 3 Years
- Family Education: During this period, the therapist works with families to inform them about supporting their children's speech and language development. Families should be specifically told that they should not treat their children differently from children with normal development.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The child's speech and language skills should be constantly monitored, the number of words in sentences and whether the child understands sentences with 2-3 instructions should be followed. Hearing checks should be carried out regularly.
The Role of the Therapist at Age 3 and After
- Active Therapy: After the age of three, the therapist starts working one-on-one with the child. It is ensured that the child participates in desk activities and acts in accordance with the instructions given.
- Speech and Language Impairment Assessment: In therapies, the child's language development is evaluated first. Children who do not have age-appropriate language development are first taken to language therapy and then articulation therapy is started.
The role of the speech and language therapist in this process is to help children with cleft lip and palate develop their communication skills and help them adapt to their social and academic lives in a healthier way.