Effectiveness of speech therapy approach and intensity on the speech and quality of life in children with cleft palate speech characteristics.

The development of intelligible speech is one of the main objectives in the management of
children who were born with a cleft (lip and) palate. Despite the advances in surgical treatment of
congenital orofacial clefts, specific cleft-related speech disorders often persist, even after the
palate is closed. However, based on current literature, no evidence is yet available to support any
specific model of speech therapy intervention in relation to a theoretical perspective and intensity
for this population. To contribute to the evidence-based practice in the field of cleft speech
therapy, this research project will focus on the effectiveness of cleft palate speech intervention in
children between 4 and 8 years old who were born with a cleft (lip and) palate. More specifically,
two different intervention approaches and two intervention intensities will be compared based on
perceptual, objective and psychosocial outcome measures.