Psychological issues in cleft lip and palate

The treatment of cleft lip and palate extends over the infancy, childhood, and adolescence of individuals who are born with this condition. The children and their families contend with multiple surgeries throughout these years. Depending on the severity of the cleft, the families may also need to cope with speech therapy, ear infections, learning disabilities,and various orthodontic treatments. The end result of these treatments and interventions should be a child, teen, or adult who is an appropriately contributing member of society at each stage of development. The psychological support needed to enable a child to meet that goal should be provided by family, school, the surgeon, and other members of the cleft treatment team. These adults should demonstrate a belief in the child's ability to cope with the challenges of cleft lip and palate treatment and should focus the child on the efficacy he will gain from having had the experience of growing up with a cleft lip and palate.