Babies Born with Cleft Palate are Diagnosed Late

The transcript discusses the case of a child with a cleft palate that went undiagnosed until age six, causing speech and feeding issues. It highlights parental frustration over delayed diagnosis and presents statistics from the Royal College of Surgeons, noting that 28% of cleft palate cases are not diagnosed within 24 hours of birth. The text emphasizes the importance of early detection to prevent long-term issues and recommends that doctors check every newborn's mouth shortly after birth.

What was the initial reason for the toddler's speech difficulties?

• A hearing impairment

• A developmental delay

• A cleft palate

• A problem with his adenoids

According to the Royal College of Surgeons, what percentage of babies with a cleft palate are not diagnosed within 24 hours of birth?

• 5%

• 28%

• 75%

• 50%

What is a potential consequence of a delayed cleft palate diagnosis in children?

• Improved speech development

• Increased feeding difficulties

• Enhanced cognitive abilities

• Better social interactions

What does the Royal College recommend to prevent long-term issues related to cleft palates?

• Checking the mouth of every baby soon after birth

• Immediate surgery after birth

• Regular dental check-ups

• Delaying diagnosis until the child is older

How long does it take to check a newborn's mouth for a cleft palate, according to the Royal College?

• Several hours

• Just seconds

• A few minutes

• Half an hour