Children with speech and resonance disorders due to cleft plate or other causes of velopharyngeal dysfunction present challenges for speech-language pathologists (SLPs), otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and other craniofacial specialists. This course is designed to provide current, practical information for professionals who treat individuals with cleft palate, velopharyngeal dysfunction, oropharyngeal anomalies, or other abnormalities that affect speech and/or resonance. A nasopharyngoscopy lab will be included in the course. Those professionals who serve on a craniofacial team will find this seminar to be particularly valuable.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• discuss the effect of facial differences and speech problems on the psychological health of the child and family;
• describe the how feeding and swallowing are affected by various structural anomalies and discuss interventions;
• list many craniofacial syndromes and how the related structural anomalies affect speech, resonance and feeding;
• describe the anatomy of the oral and pharyngeal structures and the function of the velopharyngeal valve;
• recognize and classify types of clefts of the lip and palate, based on embryological development;
• describe the otological and hearing problems associated with cleft palate;
• identify obligatory and compensatory speech errors that can result from dental and occlusal anomalies;
• discuss the mechanism of normal resonance and velopharyngeal function;
• identify the various causes and characteristics of resonance disorders and velopharyngeal dysfunction; and
• describe the speech characteristics caused by velopharyngeal dysfunction.
• apply appropriate procedures for assessment of resonance and velopharyngeal function, and make appropriate recommendations for treatment based on the evaluation findings;
• perform a nasometric evaluation and interpret the results;
• perform a nasopharyngoscopy evaluation, interpret the results, and make a recommendation for the best surgical procedure for the patient;
• list and describe various treatment options for resonance disorders, including various surgical procedures, prosthetic devices, and speech therapy;
• describe the various surgical options for correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency and when each is most appropriate for the patient;
• apply appropriate speech therapy techniques for individuals in this population: and
• recognize when there is a need for referral for specialized assessment, and identify appropriate referral sources.