2.7 Developmental Aspects

Question 1

In regards to developmental aspects in children with cleft, what are early phonological processes (birth to 3)?

(3)

Answer 1

• Deletion of final consonant
• Syllable reduction
• Backing

Question 2

In regards to developmental aspects in children with cleft, what should we know about articulation/phonology? (birth to 3)?

(1+6)

Answer 2

Babies with cleft palate

• vocalize less
• Start babbling later
• Restricted and fewer consonants
• More glottal productions
• Delayed lexicon with words not effected by cleft earlier to develop
• Distorted feedback
  - limited communication opportunities - limited feedback (env + self) - limits practice

Question 3

In regards to developmental aspects in children with cleft, what do we need to know about language (birth to 3)?

(2)

Answer 3

• Development is shown to be delayed but often catches up with age
• Degree of impairment varies but can be associated with receptive, expressive, reading, or learning disorders

Question 4

In regards to developmental aspects in children with cleft, what do we need to know about articulation (3 - 5 years)?

(5)

Answer 4

• Nasal distortions (oral consonants more nasal)
• Nasal air emission (NAE)
  
  • Audible vs. inaudible
• Substitutions
• Omissions
• Compensatory Articulation patterns

Question 5

What do SLPs assess and monitor in children with cleft?

4

Answer 5

• Monitor early milestones (babbling and phonemic repertoire)
• Work on language comprehension and build play skills (social skill development)
• Assess oromotor/speech mechanism
  
  • Differentiate structural problems vs. speech problems

Question 6

What do we need to know about educating family with children with cleft?

Answer 6

often have concerns with school adjustment

Question 7

As SLPs, what does this mean for children with cleft?

7

Answer 7

• Eliminate stigma
• Research needed in areas to improve surgery to:
  
  • Improve appearance (symmetry, reduce scarring, bring tissue to normal positioning)
  • Improve speech
• Therapy
  
  • Make sure you know what you’re doing!!
  • No whistles, blow pops, balloons, etc. Just therapy!

Question 8

What is it important to know about developmental aspects of children with cleft?

(2+7)

Answer 8

• This is not a homogeneous population
• Number of factors that effect every area of development, including:
  • Speech
  • Hearing (OM)
  • Facial differences
  • Range of severity
  • Syndromes