Cleft Palate related speech difficulties

Children born with a cleft palate may benefit from Speech and Language Therapy intervention to support their speech sound production skills and improve their clarity of speech. 

Having worked in the Evelina London Cleft Service for over 20 years since 2003 and led the Speech and Language Therapy team there from 2014 - 2024, I am able to provide Specialist assessment, intervention and advice for children presenting with speech sound difficulties related to a cleft palate diagnosis.    

 I am able to assess whether your child's soft palate is able to close against the back of of their throat in order to produce strong pressure sounds such as "p, d, s f and k".  I am also able to provide therapy intervention for the various different types of speech sound pattern that can arise in a child's speech sound system in relation to having a cleft palate diagnosis. 

Children will always be under the care of their local NHS Cleft Team and the expert support provided by the Specialist Speech and Language Therapists working within that team. I will be able to liaise with your Cleft Team Speech and Language Therapists and I can also signpost your family to any cleft care support that would be beneficial for your child.