Psychosocial Development

[Angie Summers M.S., CCC-S]

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at a hospital in the
Chicagoland area. I currently have a 3 year old male with a
repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate. He is doing well with
speech and language development, however, he will be entering
preschool this fall and his parents are very concerned re: his
social life with peers in school. He is a very confident child
and they do not want him to loose any confidence in himself. Are
there any support groups for them in the Chicagoland area? How
can I find out? What information can I give them to help. Thank
you. My e-mail address is tasummers@ameritech.net.

[Regina]

My daughter was born with a bilateral cleft lip and cleft
palate. She is now 11 years old and doing very well. Her
development was different because she does not have any speech
difficulty that is detectable. However, she did have problems
fitting in in the early years. I have found that if you stay
direct and positive, the child will adjust in time. It helps to
be supportive with the child and their classmates. Encourage the
parents to speek to the teachers and the school. I addressed it
very matter of fact. It was no more of a concern than if a child
had bright red hair. I am very proud to state she is active in
chorus and has had a lead role in a play. Please E-mail if you
would like more info. Lamb4831@aol