A history of cleft palate is the most common cause of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), but there are many other causes, including other structural anomalies of the velopharyngeal valve, neurophysiological disorders that result in inadequate velopharyngeal movement, and even faulty placement of the articulators due to mislearning. Differential diagnosis of the cause of these VPD speech characteristics and the contributing factors is essential to determine appropriate treatment, whether it be velopharyngeal surgery, a prosthetic device, and/or intervention with an SLP. In this webinar, the presenter will show videos and discuss various causes of abnormal resonance and nasal emission due to non-cleft velopharyngeal dysfunction, with a primary focus on children, although implications for adults will also be addressed. The presenter will also discuss a variety of treatment options that are appropriate for various causes of VPD.

Learning Objectives:
You will be able to:

• identify causes and factors, other than a history of cleft palate, that can affect resonance and velopharyngeal function
• use differential diagnosis to determine the cause of abnormal resonance
• determine the type of treatment that will result in the best outcomes for an individual patient

What is Included?

You'll get online access to all the course content, including the full video, references, worksheets, and eManual, so you can access it from anywhere!

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.