Cleft And CranioFacial Differences: Special Books For Special Kids
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Source: American Cleft-Palate/CranioFacial Association
This year, more than 7,000 babies will be born in the United States with a cleft lip and/or palate or other serious craniofacial condition. But the prospects have never been better for these patients to thrive due to advanced medical treatments and interdisciplinary supporting care.
Non-profit organizations that serve these patients and their families include the Children’s Craniofacial Association, myFace and Special Books for Special Kids.
“Children’s Craniofacial Association celebrates this month by sharing photos and stories from our families, including those who recently attended our annual Family Retreat & Educational Symposium that was held in June,” said Erica Mossholder, the executive director. “Many children with clefts and craniofacial conditions attend this retreat for support, education, and networking and throughout July we will share highlights of the event, because we truly believe that “more shares leads to fewer stares,” and in turn greater public acceptance of facial and physical differences.”
“As someone who was born with a cleft lip, hearing loss, and no vision in one eye, I was often teased and excluded as a child. I know first-hand what it’s like to live with a craniofacial difference,” said Dina Zuckerberg of myFace. “By serving as Director of Family Programs at myFace, my mission is to raise awareness, educate and give hope to the patients we treat and their families. myFace has launched its seventh annual Races for Faces a walk and carnival, on Sunday, September 15 in New York City where hundreds will come together to show their support for the craniofacial community.”
The needs of patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions are complex and make interdisciplinary, coordinated care essential. In addition to a surgeon, treatment may be required from a variety of medical and other specialists including an audiologist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, geneticist, nurse, otolaryngologist (ear/nose/throat specialist), pediatrician, psychologist, speech-language pathologist and other health care providers as needed.
A team-oriented approach ensures that care is provided in a coordinated and consistent manner, with the proper sequencing of evaluations and treatments within the framework of the patient’s overall developmental, medical, and psychological needs.