Comparing speech interventions for children with cleft palate

High and Low Intensity Speech Intervention in Children With a Cleft Palate: Perceptions of Children, Their Caregivers and Speech-language Pathologists

University Hospital, Ghent · NCT06895395

This study is trying to find out if high or low intensity speech therapy works better for children with cleft palate by talking to the kids, their caregivers, and speech therapists about their experiences.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment175 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent (other)
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT06895395 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare high and low intensity speech interventions for children with cleft palate by gathering perceptions from both speech-language pathologists and the children and their caregivers. The study will involve individual semi-structured interviews to explore experiences and acceptability of the different intervention intensities. By focusing on qualitative feedback, the research seeks to understand the social and emotional impacts of these interventions on the participants. The findings could inform future speech therapy practices for children with cleft lip and palate.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Belgian Dutch-speaking children aged 4 to 12 years with a cleft palate and at least one compensatory speech error.

Not a fit: Children with syndromic clefts, oronasal fistula, velopharyngeal insufficiency, hearing disabilities, or cognitive and related learning disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance speech therapy approaches for children with cleft palate, leading to improved communication outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a specific qualitative approach, similar interventions have shown promise in improving speech outcomes for children with cleft palate.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Belgian Dutch-speaking children with a cleft palate with or without a cleft lip
* Aged between 4 and 12 years,
* Presence of at least one compensatory speech error in their speech based on the perceptual assessment of one experienced speech-language pathologist

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children with syndromic clefts
* Oronasal fistula
* Velopharyngeal insufficiency
* Hearing disabilities based on pure tone audiometry (\>25 dB HL)
* Cognitive and/or related learning disabilities or neuromuscular disorders

Where this trial is running

Ghent

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cleft Lip and Palate, Speech Disorders in Children, Cleft lip and palate, Qualitative research, Speech therapy, Interviews, Speech intervention intensity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.