Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 August 2009
Speech, language, and learning problems are among the most common characteristics of velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) (Shprintzen et al., 1978; Golding-Kushner et al., 1985; Golding-Kushner, 1991; Kok & Solman, 1995; Wang et al., 1998; Scherer et al., 1999; Shprintzen, 2000; D'Antonio et al., 2001), and speech, language, and cognitive patterns in children with VCFS may, in some ways, be unique (Scherer et al., 1999; Eliez et al., 2000a; Shprintzen, 2000; Bearden et al., 2001; D'Antonio et al., 2001). In fact, it is often the speech, language, and learning problems that lead – or should lead – clinicians to suspect a diagnosis of VCFS (Murphy et al., 1998; Carneol et al., 1999; Greenberg & Fifer, 2000). Speech includes the actual production of oral communication: articulation, voice, resonance, and fluency. The term language refers to the symbolic aspects of communication: comprehension and the formulation and expression of ideas and concepts. Our current understanding of speech and language patterns and best treatment practices for individuals with VCFS will be described in this chapter.
Language
As many as 98% of children with VCFS have developmental delay (Shprintzen, 1999) and speech and language delays are usually apparent from the onset of language (Shprintzen et al., 1978; Scherer et al., 1999; Solot et al., 2000).
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