What isCleft Lip & Cleft Palette?
How can speech therapy help cleft lip? What are the goals of therapy for cleft palette? What is early intervention? Speech therapy is a critical piece of the infrastructure designed to support children with these conditions— not only with talking, but feeding as well.
Read on to learn more about how Therapy Smarts’ specialists can help your child turn challenges into triumphs.
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What Are Cleft Lips & Palettes?
Cleft means split — so, a cleft lip is a split in a child’s lip, while a cleft palette is a split in the roof of the mouth, often the bony front palette. These clefts form early in pregnancy. Their exact cause is unknown, though risk factors include genetic factors, smoking and the use of alcohol. Often, cleft lip and palette can be addressed via surgical intervention paired with dental and orthodontic care.
A speech therapist is able to help kids with cleft lip and palate to address common speech difficulties that often result from these conditions. They can also help with any difficulties resulting from feeding and swallowing. Treatment may involve strengthening muscles, adjusting feeding positions or trying various textures.
Signs & Symptoms
Cleft lip and palette are characterized by a split anywhere on the face, often involving one or both sides of the upper lip. Cleft lip can often be diagnosed via ultrasound, whereas a cleft palette diagnosis will only be possible after birth.
Not all children with a cleft lip or palette will face speech or feeding difficulties. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be worth scheduling an evaluation with a specialist.
- Feeding difficulties may include excessive inhaling, difficulty latching, or poor weight gain.
- Speech difficulties may include an overly nasally tone, difficulty with specific sounds or delays in speech development.
- Prone to ear infections and fluid buildup, which may lead to temporary hearing loss if not closely monitored.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.