What is a distinguishing characteristic of articulation therapy for a 2-year-old with a repaired cleft palate?

Articulation therapy for a 2-year-old with a repaired cleft palate often emphasizes a play-based learning approach. This method is particularly effective for young children, as it aligns with their natural learning style and developmental stage, making therapy engaging and less intimidating.

By incorporating play into therapy sessions, the clinician can create a relaxed environment that facilitates practice of speech sounds in a meaningful context. Activities that involve toys, games, and interactive scenarios not only maintain the child’s attention but also promote motivation to participate. This method also allows for naturalistic opportunities to address speech targets, enabling children to practice in a dynamic setting rather than a structured one, which can sometimes be less effective for younger children who may struggle with traditional teaching methods.

While factors such as frequency, intensity, and cycling through goals are important in therapy, especially with older children or in different contexts, the play-based approach stands out as a key characteristic when working with toddlers, particularly those with specific needs like a repaired cleft palate, to ensure the overall therapy process is developmentally appropriate and effective.