A Preliminary Study of the Predictive Value of the IPAT

Abstract

Articulation test scores for 278 subjects with cleft palate were compared with the normative data of Templin and Darley on the Iowa Pressure Articulation Test and the Templin—Darley Screening test of Articulation. In addition the predictive value of the Iowa Pressure Articulation Test in relation to the need for secondary management was examined. The results indicate that, at no age level between four and ten years, do more than 9 per cent of the subjects achieve the mean on the IPAT without secondary management. Examination of the data in regard to " risk rates " indicates that the IPAT is very useful in predicting the need for secondary management. Subjects who obtained scores of zero on the IPAT at four and one—half years of age had a 96 per cent risk of requiring secondary palatal management. Descriptive studies of the articulation of individuals with cleft palate have indicated that as a group they are retarded in articulation skills. Although numerous articulation tests are available, the two Templin-Darley tests (Templin and Darley, 1960) are particularly useful because they are normative data for them. Scores on the 50-item Templin-Darley Screening Test of Articulation can be compared with cut—off scores which separate subjects with adequate articulation from those with inadequate articulation between the ages of three and eight. It is at age eight that most children achieve essentially normal articulation. The l76—item