Language Development of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

Language deficits are known to be present in children with cleft lip and palate. However, equivocal results are present in the literature with some studies indicating a presence of predominantly expressive delay while others indicating a delay in both language comprehension and expression. The causes for the delay may be related to the cleft type/severity, associated syndromes, age & efficacy of palatal repair, hearing status & socio-linguistic status of the family among others. However, the relative contributions of these factors in the language delay are not in consensus. The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of language delay in children with cleft palate and to explore the probable factors contributing to the language delay. Language status of 60 children, with operated cleft palate with/ without lip, without any prior language intervention, in the range of 10 months to 60 months (mean age 29.6 months) was assessed on standard test - REELS (Receptive Expressive Emergent Language Scale) by interview method. Relevant history in terms of birth, surgical & medical history including middle ear conditions and language environment details were documented. 65% children had a significant language delay, out of which 53.84% children had a global language delay & 46.15% had expressive language delay only. Factors influencing the language development were explored & are discussed. Thus, children with cleft palate do exhibit significant language delays. More number of children had delays in comprehension and expression skills both than in expression only.  Factors contributing to the language development in these children may vary depending on the type of the language delay.