Abstract
Since cleft palate speech is a disordered speech conditions composed of various factors associated with cleft palate, there is still no common agreement nor assessment criterion for the evaluation. In this paper, under the title “assessment of cleft palate speech” we discussed about clinical approach and some issues about it on assessment.
1. On speech and language, the focus was on the development of speech and language function and the conditions of articulation organs caused by cleft. The former is included speech comprehension and expression, articulation abilities, and voice qualities, and related data on examination items. The latter requires data for velopharyngeal function and oral conditions.
2. Following after articulation disorders, time of evaluation was considered. Our conclusion was that the first focus sould be placed on the appearance of plosive consonant around 2y6m, which could be a clue to some articulation disorders. By 3y6m, articulation disorders are observed. About 4 to 5 ys, whether or not the need of articulation therapy and related velopharyugeal function assessment are considered.
