Speech Therapy
The speech of children with a cleft palate may be difficult to understand. The shape of their mouth and lips can make developing normal speech challenging. Even after successful cleft palate repair surgery, children often need specialized therapy to correct and improve their speech.
Senyum Foundation works with dedicated speech therapy professionals who provide comprehensive speech training to help children articulate clearly and confidently.
Why Speech Therapy Matters
Effective communication is crucial for personal and social development. For individuals with craniofacial conditions, speech therapy can be a transformative experience, significantly enhancing their ability to interact with others and participate fully in their communities.
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Our program provides the necessary tools and support to help each patient achieve their communication goals, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their well-being
Our Therapy Structure
To ensure the best results, consistency is key. Each child in our program is scheduled for a complete module of 12 therapy sessions, conducted twice a week. This structured approach allows our therapists to monitor progress closely and build the child's communication skills effectively.
The 12-Session Journey
Assessment (Sessions 1-2)
Core Training (Sessions 3-8)
Fluency (Sessions 9-12)
​Initial Evaluation: We evaluate the child's speech abilities and create a personalized therapy plan.
Muscle Exercises: Practicing specific sounds and strengthening mouth/lip muscles through engaging activities.
Confidence Building: Applying skills into daily conversation to build confidence in speaking naturally.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Practicing speech skills at home is essential to a child’s success. While a therapist works with a child twice a week, parents interact with them daily. Here are simple ways you can help:
Blowing Exercises: Practice blowing bubbles or a pinwheel to strengthen lip muscles and control airflow.
Mirror Practice: Sit in front of a mirror together and practice making different mouth shapes so the child can see the correct movements.
Read and Repeat: Read stories aloud and encourage your child to repeat words. Always praise their efforts to build confidence!