Diagnosing velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) takes careful listening, testing, data collection and detective work. VPD is an umbrella term that describes multiple disorders that cause leakage of air into the nasal passages during speech production. Gillette Children's speech-language pathologist, Graham Schenck, PhD, has special training in VPD and is an expert in its detection.

In all the ways that matter, Peter is your typical 8-year-old. He’s a protective older brother to his younger sister Katie, loves cars, sports and Star Wars. He’s easy to smile, quick to laugh and brings joy to all who meet him. When you’re in Peter’s presence, the fact that he has cerebral palsy and can’t speak, quickly becomes an afterthought.