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An overview of speech and language therapy in a cleft lip and palate team part 6 Jenny Nayak Dental Update 2024 6:2, 707-709.
Authors
JennyNayak
MSc, MRCSLT
Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, Northern and Yorkshire Cleft Lip and Palate Service, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary LS1 3EX, UK
This paper provides an overview of speech and language therapy in a regional cleft lip and palate team. The Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and the role is explained here in some detail. SLTs work with children/young people with cleft lip and palate as up to 75% have been reported to have a speech and/or language problem. However, SLTs also work with children/young people with velopharyngeal insufficiency in the absence of an overt cleft palate. Although the focus of an SLT's work is speech, other aspects are examined too, such as language, voice and swallowing. It is crucial that resonance is rated correctly, so that appropriate management of the child/young person's palate can be instigated. SLT assessments are routinely undertaken at designated times in a child's life and this care pathway is described.
Finally, a child or young person's outcome will also be influenced by issues such as his/her hearing and cognitive level, age, motivation and whether or not he/she has velopharyngeal insufficiency. It is also vital that SLTs work closely with colleagues in education and social care to maximize effectiveness.
Clinical Relevance: This article outlines the role of the Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in a cleft lip and palate team.
Article
The incidence of babies born with a cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is approximately 1 in 700.1 Figures vary as to how many children with cleft palate will require speech and language therapy, however, in the general population, it is estimated that approximately 6–8% of children between 0 and 11 years of age have speech, language and communicative difficulties,2 whereas the likelihood of a child with a cleft palate experiencing speech and/or language difficulties is anywhere between 25%3 and 75%.4
This article will firstly give a brief outline of who is assessed by a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the cleft palate team. Their role will be explored with an outline of some of the difficulties associated with CLP. Some detail of when we undertake assessments and an outline of our care pathway is provided, followed by a brief list of factors which may influence outcomes.
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