Children with Apert syndrome: developmental and psychologic considerations

Innovations in craniofacial surgery have enabled children with Apert syndrome to achieve their full potential by maximizing their opportunities for intellectual growth, physical competence, and social acceptance. However, at each developmental phase they are confronted with different challenges to their emotional and social adaptation that must be overcome. Children with Apert syndrome continue to face erroneous assumptions of mental retardation and social stigmatization because of their appearance. Families and medical care providers play a critical role in fostering their adjustment and supporting them during these emotionally stressful periods. Most importantly, by understanding the unique issues of each developmental period, parents and professionals also have the capacity to maximize their opportunity for psychologic well-being.