Development of a communication assessment protocol for young children with cleft lip and/or palate in mauritius

摘要

This study aimed to develop a communication assessment protocol for young children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) relevant to the population in Mauritius. A generic and comprehensive instrument for serial longitudinal assessments based on the developmental stage of the child was developed. Speech elicitation material in the local languages, Creole and French was included. Speech-language therapists and audiologists of the public health sector verified the protocol's applicability on 88 children aged from birth to 72 months. Early identification of the children with communication delays/disorders (73%) and appropriate referrals for intervention using the Communication Assessment Protocol was an important contribution to improve cleft care in Mauritius.