The velopharyngeally inadequate child: phonologic change with intervention

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
• Craniofacial Anomalies

Background:

• Diagnostic therapy is frequently recommended for children with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) prior to physical management.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of these intervention programs for improving speech production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe speech production changes in a young child undergoing diagnostic therapy for VPD.
• To evaluate speech changes after the fitting of a speech prosthesis.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year-old child received speech therapy with the mother as the primary intervener, guided by a speech-language pathologist.
• Speech production was analyzed during diagnostic therapy and after prosthetic fitting.

Main Results:

• Maternal intervention led to improved articulation placement in the child's speech.
• Following prosthetic fitting, hypernasal and glottalized speech productions ceased.
• Glottal stops, however, remained present in the child's speech post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic therapy, with parental involvement, can positively impact speech articulation in young children with VPD.
• Prosthetic management effectively addressed specific speech errors like hypernasality.
• Comprehensive management may be necessary to fully resolve all speech sound errors, including persistent glottal stops.