Cleft Lip and Palate
Comprehensive Pediatric Speech Therapy
Does your child have a cleft lip or cleft palate? If so, they’ll likely require a multidisciplinary team to ensure they receive the comprehensive care they need. For many children, a speech therapist is an important member of that team, helping them to improve speech and swallowing difficulties.
Are you looking for a knowledgeable speech therapist to help your child navigate living with a cleft lip and palate? Schedule an appointment with Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney or Lincoln, NE!
Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
A cleft lip is a split (or “cleft”) in the lip. Whereas, a cleft palate is a split in the palate, the opening on the roof of the mouth. A child can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. These conditions develop during pregnancy and are congenital, meaning a child is born with them.
Managing and treating a cleft lip and palate will vary based on the severity of the cleft and how it affects functionality. Many children with a cleft lip and palate undergo surgery early to improve their breathing, hearing, and speech, as a cleft lip and palate can affect all three.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Effective management often involves a team of specialists, including plastic surgeons for reconstructive surgery, audiologists to monitor hearing issues, orthodontists and dentists for dental care, and pediatricians to oversee overall health and development. Our speech therapists play a crucial role in this multidisciplinary approach.
What To Expect During Treatment
Our speech therapists help children with cleft lip and palate in two main areas:
Speech Difficulties
Many children with cleft lip and palate may struggle to speak clearly. We’ll guide your child through specialized training to improve annunciation so they can communicate effectively.
Swallowing Difficulties
Cleft lip and palate can also affect eating and swallowing ability, especially in babies, who may require special bottles or positioning at the breast. We can help identify what tools will ensure your child gets the necessary nutrients.
We’ll coordinate with other members of your child’s care team and conduct a thorough assessment to ensure we fully understand your child’s needs. From there, we’ll create a customized treatment program that pulls from evidence-based techniques.
CONTACT CHILDREN’S REHAB CENTER TODAY
At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we want to see your child thrive! Our comprehensive approach addresses not only speech and swallowing but also supports overall development, including breathing and hearing improvements.
Schedule an appointment at our Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney or Lincoln, NE clinic to learn more about our role in managing cleft lip and palate and how we can support your child’s journey to better communication and quality of life!