Three studies are planned as part of the programme: the first will use existing data from a longitudinal prospective population study (ALSPAC); the second will collect new data within a cohort study of children with cleft palate (The Cleft Collective), a group who are at high risk of PSD; and the third will use qualitative techniques to develop and pilot an assessment protocol which will provide data on level of risk plus facilitate the collection of national outcomes. Factors which will be collected and analysis will include those relating to the child's environment, early speech and language development and wider developmental levels.
More information on ALSPAC is available at www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac while further details on the Cleft Collective is available at cleftcollective.org.uk