Metaphonology, phonology and language in children with cleft palate

The purpose of this study was to examine the metaphonology and possible associated factors in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate. This prospective study involved 20 children who presented with non-syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate only. The 8 males and 12 females ranged in age from 66 to 84 months. Standardized tests were administered to assess the following abilities: metaphonology, phonology, morphosyntax and vocabulary, verbal working memory and non-verbal cognition. The results indicated that these children perform within normal limits on tests of metaphonology and on tests of morpho-syntax and vocabulary. Ninety percent of the children did have residual speech production problems appear to be related to dental issues such as malocclusions and missing teeth.Medicine, Faculty ofAudiology and Speech Sciences, School ofGraduat