Therapies for Children with Craniofacial Anomalies

As core members of the interdisciplinary Craniofacial Team, speech-language pathologists in the Department of Rehabilitation Services at UH Rainbow Babies & Children Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio work closely with ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians, social workers, child psychologists, plastic surgeons, oral/maxillofacial surgeons, and occupational therapists to evaluate and treat children diagnosed with craniofacial disorders such as:

• Cleft lip and/or cleft palate
• Facial trauma
• Rare syndromes, such as: Pierre Robin Sequence, Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, hemifacial microsomia, Stickler syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and others

Children with craniofacial anomalies are typically seen by the entire craniofacial team annually, starting at age 3; however, speech therapy may be started sooner to improve language, articulation, and resonance. Feeding and swallowing problems may also be addressed by the speech-language pathologist in collaboration with one of our pediatric occupational therapists.