The Effect of Using Symbolic Gestures on Speech and Language Development in Young Children Born With Cleft Palate

What this Trial Is About

Children born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often face speech-language delays that affect their learning and social growth. These issues can be seen even before age 3. Researchers are studying whether early speech-language intervention using symbolic gesture training combined with verbal input can improve language skills in one-year-old children with CLP. The study compares this approach to verbal training alone or no intervention to find effective methods for supporting speech development. The study involves three groups of children with CLP: one group whose caregivers receive training in symbolic gesture use along with verbal communication, another group whose caregivers receive verbal training only, and a control group receiving standard clinical care with information about speech development. Caregivers in the intervention groups attend three training sessions over three months, each lasting two hours, and then apply the techniques at home. After study completion, the control group caregivers may receive the most effective intervention. Participants will be assessed at 12 months old to measure receptive and expressive language skills through language tests and caregiver reports. Researchers will also evaluate the child's speech skills, gesture use, and the complexity of caregiver communication. The study uses randomized allocation and double masking. Participation includes caregiver training, language assessments, and observation of communication behaviors, aiming to provide evidence to improve early speech therapy for children with CLP.

Effect of Infant Sign Training on Speech-language Development