Opinion of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) regarding Articulation Therapy after Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery

Abstract

Cleft lip and cleft palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don't close completely. Children with a cleft lip could even develop a cleft palate as well. Articulation and nasal resonance are important factors in cleft palate speech outcomes. Some articulation problems are thought to be compensatory actions caused by velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).Objective: To find out the opinion that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) have about articulation therapy after cleft lip/palate surgery.Methodology: One-twenty Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) were completed online surveys regarding articulation therapy after cleft lip or palate surgery in which convenient sampling technique was used. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who had only Speech Pathology recognized diploma/degree or any experience was included in this study. While special education teachers & parents of cleft children were excluded in this study.Results: The majority of SLPs (49.2%) said that any therapy other than articulation therapy may be more effective, 30.0% of speech language pathologists (SLPs) said that any therapy other than articulation therapy will be more effective & 20.8% said that no therapy other than articulation therapy will be more effective. Overall result shows that 54.3% of participants have good opinion about articulation therapy that it is effective after cleft lip/ palate surgery.Conclusion(s): It was concluded from this study that there was a large degree of variability in opinion of SLPs regarding articulation therapy. These findings probably reflect differences in both education and experience of the participating SLPs.