Is there a greater likelihood that my child will have more learning differences or speech problems than other children due to Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate?

Children with cleft lip (but not cleft palate) have no greater incidence of speech or learning differences than other children. However, when the palate is involved, the risk of speech issues significantly increases. These children should be followed yearly, if not more frequently, for speech issues throughout their growth.

In 10 percent to 15 percent of cases, children with a cleft palate may require further surgery to improve their speech. As far as learning differences go, it is hard to tell the likelihood that they will occur, as there is not much data available in this area. Since children with cleft palate also have a higher incidence of hearing problems, it is these hearing issues that can lead to learning difficulties because the child cannot always hear what is going on in the classroom. Once fixed, these issues resolve.