Clinical outcomes in Cleft Palate with or without Lip (CP+/-L) include dentition, facial growth, hearing, speech, language and feeding. There is also strong evidence of the impact of the condition on psychosocial factors, academic achievement and communicative participation. Even following primary palate repair, a significant proportion of individuals with CP+/-L will continue to have velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). As a speech therapist working with individuals with CP+/-L, it is essential to be aware of the range of clinical outcomes and understand how they impact on the individual’s activities and participation. The role of the Speech Therapist begins from infancy till discharge in adulthood and extends to collaboration with members of the local medical team and professional communication with fellow Speech Therapists.
In Talk B, participants will learn about the intervention approaches for feeding difficulties in patients with CP+/-L as well as hunger induction trial in local patients developed oral aversion. Participants will also be introduced to evidence-based speech treatment approaches and cleft-specific components and techniques with case study examples. A brief overview of surgical and/or physical management of VPI will be given.