Cleft Lip/Palate
A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip due to a failure in the embryonic growth processes. This is a medical concern that is diagnosed and addressed at birth or soon thereafter.
Cleft palate is an opening in the hard or soft palate, which separates the oral and the nasal cavities due to the plates not closing during the embryonic growth processes. The range and severity of the cleft varies. Both clefts are repaired through series of surgeries.
A speech and language therapist/pathologist will work with students with clefts to address velopharyngeal incompetence (not enough closure in the back of the mouth for clear resonance of speech) and articulation issues when necessary.
Information taken from "Assessment and Remediation of Articulatory and Phonological Disorders: Second Edition," Creaghead, Newman, and Secord, 1989, Merrill Publishing Co.
Cleft palate is an opening in the hard or soft palate, which separates the oral and the nasal cavities due to the plates not closing during the embryonic growth processes. The range and severity of the cleft varies. Both clefts are repaired through series of surgeries.
A speech and language therapist/pathologist will work with students with clefts to address velopharyngeal incompetence (not enough closure in the back of the mouth for clear resonance of speech) and articulation issues when necessary.
Information taken from "Assessment and Remediation of Articulatory and Phonological Disorders: Second Edition," Creaghead, Newman, and Secord, 1989, Merrill Publishing Co.