Cleft Lip or Palate
For children with a cleft lip or palate, it can be difficult to learn how to communicate their ideas effectively. This condition can affect how sounds are produced and how words are spoken, which makes it difficult for children to be understood by others.
At Fluens Children’s Therapy, we offer speech therapy to help children with a cleft lip or palate gain confidence and overcome communication barriers. With the right support, your child can learn to express their ideas clearly and confidently.
What Is a Cleft Lip?
A cleft lip is a physical condition where there is a separation or gap in the upper lip, often extending to the nose. This gap can vary in size and may occur on one or both sides of the lip. This happens while the baby is in the womb if the facial structures don’t fully fuse together.
A cleft lip can affect a child’s appearance, as well as their ability to form certain sounds and words. This condition can be repaired with surgery, though your child may still struggle with speech and feeding skills after the procedure is done.
What Is a Cleft Palate?
A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth (palate) doesn’t completely fuse together while the baby is in the womb. This leaves an opening that can reach into the nasal cavity. Like a cleft lip, a cleft palate can vary in size and severity.
A cleft palate can affect speech and swallowing, as the separation makes it difficult to control airflow and produce clear sounds. This condition can also be repaired with surgery, though your child may still struggle with speech and feeding skills after the procedure is done.
How Can a Cleft Lip or Palate Affect Your Child's Speech or Language Development?
Children with a cleft lip or palate may face specific speech and language challenges that can impact their communication. These can include:
- Difficulty producing certain sounds due to airflow issues
- Nasal-sounding speech, which can make words harder to understand
- Trouble forming complete words clearly
- Challenges with feeding, which can affect muscle strength for speech
- Delayed language skills due to difficulty making certain sounds
- Hearing impairment due to fluid behind the eardrum
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Can Help Children with a Cleft Lip or Palate
At Fluens Children’s Therapy, our skilled Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) understand the specific needs of children with a cleft lip or palate. We create individualized therapy plans that help children develop essential speech skills and gain the confidence to communicate effectively.
Our approach includes exercises to strengthen speech muscles, techniques for correct sound formation, and strategies to overcome the specific challenges your child may face. With our expertise, your child can build the foundational skills to express themselves and connect with others freely.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
If your child has a cleft lip or palate, or if they’ve recently completed surgery to repair a cleft lip or palate, Fluens Children’s Therapy is here to help. We can give your child the tools they need for strong, clear speech and effective feeding.
Reach out to our team in University Place, WA, at (253) 212-3502 or our team in Columbia, TN, at (931) 982-6092 to schedule an evaluation today.