The Association of Speech/Language Risk With Phonological Awareness, Rapid Naming, and Reading Ability in Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Children with cleft lip and/or palate were assessed for speech, language, phonological awareness (PA), rapid naming (RN) and reading ability using standardized instruments at baseline (T1; N = 142, Mage = 6.14 years, 51% males) and 2-year follow-up (T2; 89% retention, Mage = 8.38). Children with no speech or language risk scored higher for T1 and T2 PA, RN, and reading than children with both speech and language risk [Adjusted Mean Difference (AMD) ranged from 11.79 to 21.25]; language risk (AMD 8.37 to 13.58); and speech risk (0.51 to 6.87). No significant differences by cleft type or child sex.