Speech Resonance Disorders Secondary to Cleft Palate & Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Children with speech and resonance disorders (hypernasality, hyponasality, and cul-de-sac resonance) and/or nasal emission due to clefts or other orofacial anomalies present challenges for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in all settings. This seminar is designed to provide current, practical information for SLPs who frequently or occasionally see clients with speech/resonance disorders and/or nasal emission due to cleft palate, non-cleft velopharyngeal dysfunction, or other causes.

The presenter will provide a description of normal resonance and a demonstration of the characteristics of various resonance disorders. Normal velopharyngeal function will be described followed by a discussion of the types and causes of velopharyngeal dysfunction. The effect of velopharyngeal dysfunction on both speech production and resonance will be explained and demonstrated.

Many short videos will be used for illustration. The presenter will describe and demonstrate simple low-tech and “no-tech” procedures that can be used for assessment in either a clinical or school setting. Specialized diagnostic procedures (nasometry, videofluoroscopy, and nasopharyngoscopy) will be briefly discussed. Various treatment options, including surgery, prosthetic devices, and speech therapy, will be discussed. Specific therapy techniques for this population (that will also apply to other children with speech sound disorders) will be described and demonstrated. This seminar is designed to be informative, very practical, and fun!

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. describe normal facial, oral and pharyngeal anatomy
2. categorize different types of clefts based on embryological development
3. discuss the effects of dental and occlusal anomalies on speech and resonance
4. describe the ontological and hearing problems associated with cleft palate
5. discuss aspects of normal velopharyngeal function and the types and causes of velopharyngeal dysfunction
6. describe the mechanism of normal resonance and identify the characteristics and causes of resonance disorders
7. discuss the types of nasal emission and the effects on speech production
8. identify velopharyngeal mislearning and the causes of phoneme-specific nasal emission and phoneme-specific hypernasality
9. use appropriate procedures for assessment of resonance and velopharyngeal function
10. describe various treatment options for resonance disorders and velopharyngeal dysfunction, including surgical procedures, prosthetic devices, and speech therapy
11. apply appropriate speech therapy techniques using motor learning theory for correction of compensatory productions

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.