Cleft palate speech and velopharyngeal dysfunction: the approach of the speech therapist

Abstract

Cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction cause communication disorders in many different ways (articulation, resonance, voice and language). These problems are mainly present in childhood but remain a matter of concern for many years. Speech and language pathologists are involved in speech and language assessment and speech therapy procedures. This article gives an overview of the standard procedures of the speech pathologist in a cleft palate team and discusses the relationship between the team and private practices or school teams, as well as the practical aspects relating to reimbursement by the National Institute of Health and Invalidity (RIZIV).