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Beyond Prevalence: Understanding the Relationship Between Early Anatomic Factors and the Likelihood for Cleft Speech
Kazlin Mason1, Katelyn Kotlarek2, Amy Davies3
1Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
|November 11, 2025
Summary
Early anatomical factors like cleft type, width, and fistula presence significantly impact speech development in children with cleft palate. Identifying these risks early can guide interventions to improve long-term speech outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial research
- Speech-language pathology
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Children with cleft palate (CP+/-L) often experience speech sound disorders due to craniofacial anatomy.
- Previous research shows variability in cleft speech characteristics (CSCs), but the precise impact of specific early anatomical factors is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early anatomical determinants influencing cleft speech characteristics (CSCs) in children with cleft palate (CP+/-L).
- To pinpoint critical anatomical factors within the first year of life that affect CSC presence at age 3.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study of 293 children with CP+/-L.
- Assessed pre-operative cleft type, width, and fistula status in relation to CSCs.
- Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and hearing status.
Main Results:
- 64.9% of children with cleft palate had CSCs by 36 months.
- Cleft type, wider clefts, and fistula presence were strongly associated with increased odds of CSCs.
- Specific associations found between anatomical factors and anterior, passive, non-oral, and posterior CSCs.
Conclusions:
- Cleft type, pre-operative width, and fistula status are multifactorial determinants of CSCs in children with CP+/-L.
- Early, individualized interventions, including fistula management and speech therapy, are crucial.
- Proactive strategies for children with identified anatomical risk factors can reduce CSC likelihood and optimize speech development.
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