Objective: This study investigated whether adding an additional modality, namely ultrasound tongue imaging, to perception-based phonetic transcription impacted on the identification of compensatory articulations and on interrater reliability. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine English-speaking children aged 3 to 12 with cleft lip and palate (CLP) were recorded producing repetitions of /aCa/ for all places of articulation with simultaneous audio and probe-stabilised ultrasound. Three types of transcriptions were performed: 1. Descriptive observations from the live ultrasound by the clinician recording the data; 2. Ultrasound-aided transcription by two ultrasound-trained clinicians; and 3. Traditional phonetic transcription by two CLP specialists from audio recording. We compared the number of consonants identified as in error by each transcriber and then classified errors into eight different subcategories. Results: Both the ultrasound-aided and traditional transcriptions yielded similar error-detection rates, however these were significantly higher than the observations recorded live in the clinic. Interrater reliability for the ultrasound transcribers was substantial (k=0.65), compared to moderate (k=0.47) for the traditional transcribers. Ultrasound-aided transcribers were more likely to identify covert errors such as double articulations and retroflexion than the audio-only transcribers. Conclusion: Ultrasound-tongue imaging is a useful complement to traditional phonetic transcription for CLP speech.

In comparison with lay assessors, clinical assessment among professionals was more reproducible. This was not so for nonclinical media. The equivalence of using the color transparencies and three-dimensional media relative to the clinical assessment depends on the region of the face being considered.

Objective: 22q11DS is a genetic syndrome, prevalence around 1:4000-1:6000 livebirths, with a complex array of associated features, impacting on healthcare and educational support. This study reports the perceptions of families and individuals with 22q11DS in relation to these needs.Design: Individuals and families of those with 22q11DS were approached though two national charities the Max Appeal and 22Crew. An initial observational survey design was used to gather views via questions probing access to healthcare and educational experiences.Results: 34 responses were received and the data subjected to descriptive analysis. Over half of respondents were diagnosed before the age of 1. 91% reported ongoing difficulties with learning at school, compounded by school attendance being compromised as a result of medical interventions. Individuals reported engaging heavily with educational support and a high number of health professions (mean 9.5; mode 10). Conclusions:Age of diagnosis of 22q11Ds ranged from birth to 9 years. Families had ongoing concerns about aspects of education and healthcare services, and lack of knowledge and awareness of the difficulties faced by individuals with 22q11DS was raised.Healthcare and education providers should be aware of the range of services individuals required on a regular basis so as to provide a more holistic approach to care.

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Previous studies have demonstrated the value of using electropalatography (EPG) to assess, diagnose, and treat persistent sound system disorders in children. However, the application of EPG research has been limited in clinical contexts because most speech-language pathologists do not have access to the technique. This article provides an overview of recent EPG research on persistent sound system disorders and describes a network that has been established to widen access to EPG. The use of EPG via the network is illustrated in the case description of an 8-year-old boy, Robbie, who presented with a persisting speech disorder. The network was used because the clinician treating Robbie did not have an EPG. The main perceptual feature of Robbie’s speech before EPG treatment was the deviant phonological process of backing /t/ and /d/ targets to velar place of articulation. EPG was used to assess articulatory patterns before treatment, to provide visual feedback as part of a treatment program, and to record changes in tongue-palate contact patterns as treatment progressed. Robbie achieved normal /t/ and /d/ articulatory patterns after treatment and was subsequently discharged. Factors that could have contributed to the successful outcome in this case are discussed, and areas requiring further research are identified.