What characteristic is a sign of velopharyngeal inadequacy?

Excessive nasal resonance during speech is a hallmark sign of velopharyngeal inadequacy. This condition occurs when the velopharyngeal mechanism, which includes the soft palate and the walls of the pharynx, does not close properly during speech production. When this closure is insufficient, air escapes through the nasal cavity, resulting in a nasal quality or resonance in the voice. This can manifest as hypernasality, which is commonly observed in individuals who have conditions such as cleft palate or other structural abnormalities affecting the velopharyngeal function.

The other options do not directly indicate velopharyngeal inadequacy. While the inability to produce age-appropriate speech sounds and frequent throat clearing can be associated with various speech disorders, they are not specific indicators of velopharyngeal function. Strict diet adherence is unrelated to speech production and does not signify any issues with velopharyngeal closure.