Craniofacial ANoMALIES

What are craniofacial anomalies?

Craniofacial anomalies occur when a child’s head and facial bones are abnormally formed. These disorders are typically present at birth (congenital) and can range from mild to severe. Some common craniofacial anomalies include: cleft lip and palate, Pierre Robin syndrome, and hemifacial microsomia. Speech, voice, resonance, and swallowing disorders can occur because of craniofacial anomalies. Children with craniofacial anomalies should be followed by a craniofacial or cleft team, but often benefit from additional speech-language pathology services between appointments with their team. This is where Empowered Voice Rehabilitation LLC can assist!

Craniofacial EVALUATION

Each Craniofacial Evaluation includes: 

  • Extensive review of medical/clinical records to determine potential impact of medications and treatment of other medical diagnoses on speech, language, voice, resonance, breathing, and swallowing

  • Evaluation of the impact of cognitive and/or behavioral skills on safety and functionality of communication and/or swallowing

  • Structural and functional assessment of muscles and structures used in speech and/or swallowing, which may include:

    • Oral peripheral mechanism examination

    • Cranial nerve examination

    • Analysis of head–neck control, posture, oral reflexes, and involuntary movements

    • Assessment of respiratory status, cough, and throat clearing abilities

  • Language sampling

  • Standardized assessment of speech, language, voice, resonance, and/or swallowing

  • Recommendations for craniofacial anomaly intervention and support, as necessary

  • Recommendations for optimizing communication and safety

  • Determination of need for further assessment to examine the impact of communication

  • Identification of need for referrals to other services or professionals to support optimal communication outcomes

  • Counseling, education, and training to the client, health care providers, and caregivers

  • Detailed written evaluation outlining findings and recommendations

Craniofacial Anomaly Evaluations are 45-60 minutes in length. Craniofacial Anomaly Evaluations may be completed in-person or via telehealth.

Craniofacial ANomaly TREATMENT

Your personalized craniofacial anomaly treatment session will include: 

  • Development of personal goals related to communication, voice, resonance, breathing, and/or swallowing to maximize quality of life

  • Development and implementation of a personalized treatment plan to maximize safety and efficiency of communication and/or swallowing

  • Counseling and advanced planning surrounding craniofacial anomaly management, as applicable

Treatment Sessions are 30-45 minutes in length and can be scheduled in-person or via tele-practice.

Note: A Craniofacial Anomaly Evaluation must be completed prior to booking Personalized Craniofacial Anomaly Treatment Session(s).