Effects of Enhanced Milieu Training with Phonological Emphasis (EMT+PE) on Child with Cleft Lip +/- Palate Speech & Language Outcomes – A Pilot Telepractice Parent Training Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of parent training in Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis (EMT+PE) using telepractice on the speech and language outcomes of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

Method: Three parent-child dyads participated in the study. All child participants had nonsyndromic CL/P and ranged in age from 21 to 27months. Participants received three weekly telepractice intervention sessions, along with a total of three in-person parent training sessions. Intervention and training were conducted by an SLP and trained graduate student.

Results: All speech measures indicated a gain in essential speech skills for all three children when comparing pre-intervention to post-intervention assessment results. Positive improvement was seen across multiple language measures for all participants.

Conclusion: A parent implemented EMT+PE intervention program using telepractice is an effective way to increase child speech and language outcomes for children with CL/P. Speech and language targets should be combined and delivered simultaneously in intervention.