Improving Outcomes for Children with Cleft Palate
We are working on projects that will impact assessment and intervention for children with cleft palate by focusing on projects that improve access to these specialized services. Many children do not have access to specialized cleft craniofacial speech-language pathologists for routine intervention due to distance from major cleft palate clinics. We have three primary areas of focus: First, we are developing an automated artificial intelligence system to assess speech acceptability and hypernasality in children 3 to 7 years of age. Second, we are testing and adapting an early intervention delivered through telepractice for parents of children with craniofacial conditions in the U.S. and internationally. Third, we are evaluating a listener training for undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology for speech of children with cleft palate.
Our team leads
Nancy J Scherer, PhD, CCC-SLP, FASHA
Team Co-Lead
Professor
Dr. Scherer’s research includes projects related to early assessment methods for young children with cleft palate, early intervention methods in the U.S. and adapted for international application, parent training methods through telepractice and the development of artificial intelligence systems for assessment of speech acceptability and hypernasality in the speech of children with cleft palate.
Kelly Cordero, PhD, CCC-SLP
Team Co-Lead
Director, Phoenix Children's Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Care
Dr Cordero coordinates the speech-language pathologists at the Craniofacial Center. She is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and provides assessments and intervention. She also coordinates the research protocols that are ongoing for the team and mentors students in clinical rotations.
Expertise: Dr. Cordero coordinates the speech-language pathologists at the Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Care. She is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who provides assessments and interventions. She also coordinates the research protocols that are ongoing for the team and mentors students in clinical rotations.Where we work
ASU Tempe campus, Coor Hall
Child Speech Disorders Lab
Child Speech Disorders Lab
975 S Myrtle Ave
Tempe AZ 85281
Cleft Craniofacial Center
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
1919 E Thomas Rd
Phoenix AZ 85016