Question
I would appreciate some therapy techniques for a teenage girl (grade 10) with Velo-Cardial Facial Syndrome. She produces speech sounds in connected speech under normal circumstances. Her voice volume is usually very low. When her volume escalates, her
Answer
If speech intelligibility is not a problem under normal circumstances, I am not sure we have a problem for the public school or that medical attention is necessary. If no effects of an insufficient valuing system due to velopharyngeal incompetence (such as nasal emissions) are noted under normal speaking conditions then, I really do not see a problem. If required to increase loudness, I would suggest the use of an amplification system when the velopharyngeal mechanism is unable to perform adequately under the stress of increased volume. If volume is frequently an issue, personal amplification systems are available.
Dr. Harmon is an Associate Professor on the graduate faculty at Mississippi University for Women. She currently teaches graduate courses in Fluency Disorders, Phonological and Articulatory Disorders, and Voice Disorders. Dr. Harmon has been an invited speaker in the area of stuttering therapy with state and regional associations and with Northern Speech Services across the country.
Michelle Harmon, Ph.D
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-induced-laryngeal-obstruction-overview-1076120Q: Induced Laryngeal Obstruction - An Overview for Speech-Language PathologistsThe nature of induced laryngeal obstruction, including comorbidities and causes, and the speech-language pathologist’s role in evaluation and treatment of this disorder are described in this course. Current diagnostic and treatment practices and research updates pertaining to the condition are discussed.textual, visual
The nature of induced laryngeal obstruction, including comorbidities and causes, and the speech-language pathologist’s role in evaluation and treatment of this disorder are described in this course. Current diagnostic and treatment practices and research updates pertaining to the condition are discussed.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-pediatric-voice-disorders-diagnostic-897220Q: Pediatric Voice Disorders: Diagnostic and Treatment ApproachesThis course provides the practicing speech-language pathologist with information on special considerations in the treatment of children with voice disorders. The various causes of voice disorders are discussed as well as the treatment of specific types of disorders.textual, visual
This course provides the practicing speech-language pathologist with information on special considerations in the treatment of children with voice disorders. The various causes of voice disorders are discussed as well as the treatment of specific types of disorders.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-evaluation-and-treatment-speech-872920Q: Evaluation and Treatment of Speech/Resonance Disorders and Velopharyngeal DysfunctionChildren with speech and resonance disorders (hypernasality, hyponasality, and cul-de-sac resonance) and/or nasal emission present challenges for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in all settings. This article will help participants to recognize resonance disorders and the characteristics of velopharyngeal dysfunction, and provide appropriate management.textual, visual
Children with speech and resonance disorders (hypernasality, hyponasality, and cul-de-sac resonance) and/or nasal emission present challenges for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in all settings. This article will help participants to recognize resonance disorders and the characteristics of velopharyngeal dysfunction, and provide appropriate management.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/chronic-cough-evaluation-10793Chronic Cough: EvaluationThis is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Chronic cough affects millions of people per year, and SLPs can be an integral part of evaluation and management of this disorder. Characteristics of chronic cough and its impact on quality of life are discussed in this course. In addition, SLP evaluation of chronic cough to identify candidates for voice therapy management is described in the context of medical evaluation and management.auditory, textual, visual
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Chronic cough affects millions of people per year, and SLPs can be an integral part of evaluation and management of this disorder. Characteristics of chronic cough and its impact on quality of life are discussed in this course. In addition, SLP evaluation of chronic cough to identify candidates for voice therapy management is described in the context of medical evaluation and management.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/understanding-skin-physiology-and-management-9002Understanding Skin Physiology and Management After Total LaryngectomyThis course will describe the function of skin, as well as types of and reasons for skin breakdown after total laryngectomy surgery. Participants will learn about practical solutions for preventing and treating irritation from peristomal baseplates, in order to facilitate patients’ ability to wear a Heat Moisture Exchanger for pulmonary rehabilitation. This course is presented jointly with Atos Medical.auditory, textual, visual
This course will describe the function of skin, as well as types of and reasons for skin breakdown after total laryngectomy surgery. Participants will learn about practical solutions for preventing and treating irritation from peristomal baseplates, in order to facilitate patients’ ability to wear a Heat Moisture Exchanger for pulmonary rehabilitation. This course is presented jointly with Atos Medical.
