Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding Speech Management for Children With Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine practice patterns and opinions that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have about speech-language intervention for children with cleft lip and palate. One hundred seven speech-language pathology members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 5: Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders Special Interest Group completed a 37-item online survey that examined common practices in early intervention as well as opinions about speech characteristics, assessment, and management strategies for children with cleft lip and palate. The overwhelming majority of respondents (96%) agreed that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should meet with parents before palatal surgery to discuss speech-language issues. Although 90% of the SLPs identified increasing consonant inventory as an early intervention goal, lack of consensus was evident regarding the type of consonant to stimulate. Respondents agreed that while blowing activities are not useful in strengthening labial, lingual, or velopharyngeal movements, they are useful in heightening awareness of oral airflow for children with cleft palate. A large degree of variability was evident in opinions regarding prevalence and treatment of compensatory articulations as well as the effectiveness of treatment strategies designed to reduce perceived hypernasality and audible nasal emission. The findings of this study indicate a large degree of variability in opinions of SLP respondents regarding assessment and treatment of children with cleft lip and palate.