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Cleft palate
Cleft palate occurs mostly due to genetic factors. However, environmental as well as mechanical factors might also have a role in its occurrence. People with cleft palate have communication disorders including resonance, articulation, voice and in some cases, hearing problems.
While assessing children with clefts, it is essential that the clinician examines velopharyngeal valve competence in addition to language, phonatory, aticualtory as well as language evaluations.
Treatment of cases having cleft palate may involve surgical intervention. Speech therapy; focusing on articulation and resonance (and language; whenever needed) is crucial in these cases.