Parents need to know that the prognosis for a normal life for the Cleft Lip and/or Palate child is extremely good.
Most clefts can be repaired. Those that can‰t be closed can be prosthetically corrected.
Teams of specialists are available in hospitals that will coordinate all the services the child will need.
Included is a social worker, who will seek out funding sources for the child‰s rehabilitation.
Providing that the clefts are not part of a greater syndrome associated with other problems, the prognosis for a normal adult life for the child is outstanding.
When armed with this knowledge, parents can perhaps overcome their disappointment and be able to appreciate and accept the good qualities that their child possesses.
This will help to insure that the child will get those important early referents that help to create a strong cognitive and language base.
NOTES: Here is a real cleft palate team.