Cleft lip and palate are classified based on which criteria?

Cleft lip and palate are classified based on the criteria of unilateral or bilateral, complete or incomplete. This classification reflects the anatomical nature of the cleft. A cleft lip can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) and can range from a small notch in the lip to a complete separation that extends into the nostril. Similarly, a cleft palate can be classified as complete, involving the entire palate and possibly extending into the nasal cavity, or incomplete, where the cleft does not extend all the way through the palate. This classification system is important as it helps in determining the appropriate surgical interventions, planning for speech therapy, and understanding the potential impacts on feeding and phonation during development.

The other criteria mentioned involve different aspects of speech and language assessment rather than the physical characteristics of the cleft itself, making them less relevant for this specific classification.