Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a diverse group of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones.
There are several common CFAs which include cleft palate. Speech-language pathologists provide evaluations and treatment of four communication parameters for patients with clefts and craniofacial anomolies, from infancy to adulthood. These parameters include resonance, articulation, phonation, and language development.
The goal of the speech/language pathologist is to facilitate normal speech and language development. This is achieved by providing education concerning speech and language development, recommending and providing speech therapy, and as the child matures, by providing more direct perceptual, acoustic, sound pressure, radiologic, and aerodynamic measurements of the velopharyngeal mechanism.
Dental, hearing, prosthetic, and surgical interventions must be factored into all management considerations. If velopharyngeal insufficiency is suspected, and palatal management is considered, direct visualization of the velopharyngeal mechanism during speech production is required, with repeat studies following surgical or prosthetic management. (acpa-cpf.org)