Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program
Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is the improper closing of the soft palate against the back of the throat during speech. This causes too much air to pass through the nose, giving a person's speech a nasal sound. Children with VPI often have difficulty pronouncing strong consonants including "p," "b," "d," "g," and "t." This makes clear speech challenging and can contribute to difficulties in developing age-appropriate language skills and social frustration.
A doctor referral is required to schedule an appointment at our VPI Clinic.
Conditions We Treat
Meet Your Care Team
Christopher T. WoottenMD, MMHC, FACS, FAAP
- Airway Reconstruction, Breathing Disorders, ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Hearing Loss, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Ryan H. BelcherMD, MPH
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Head and Neck Cancer, Hearing and Speech, Nose and Sinus Conditions, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Izabela A. GaldynMD
- Cleft Lip and Palate, Ear Deformities, Facial Paralysis, Hand Surgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Peripheral Nerve, Plastic Surgery
James D. PhillipsMD, BS
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Hemangiomas, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Lyndy J. WilcoxMD, MMHC
- Breathing Disorders, ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology Surgery, Pediatric Airway Reconstruction, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Melissa C. HenryMA, CCC-SLP
- Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders
Shannon L. McGurkSLP
- Autism Disorders, Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders
Jennifer C. MuckalaMA, CCC-SLP
- Laryngectomy Care and Management, Neurological Voice Disorders, Otolaryngology, Professional Singing Voice, Speaking Voice Disorders, Speech Language Pathology, Voice Disorders
Derrick R. SowderSLP
- Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders
Why Choose the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program at Monroe Carell
- Surgical leaders
Diagnosing and treating VPI requires a close partnership among parents, family doctors and specialists. At Children’s Hospital, national leaders in the diagnosis and management of voice disorders help our team gain the information we need to make appropriate and effective surgical decisions for your child.
- Personalized care
Our VPI team is unique. We offer of a full array of therapies. If your child needs surgery, we will offer a tailor-made operation based on a careful review of their specific problem.
- Coordinated care
Our VPI team coordinator serves as your single point of contact between with our physicians to ensure your child has the best plan to improve speech problems.