Cleft Care
Supporting the person and not just the palate.
Every cleft journey is unique. We’re here to support not just medical care, but the emotional, social, and developmental well-being of each individual and family—through understanding, guidance, and community.
If you are a member of our cleft community and want to access our community pages, click HERE
How Neuropsychological Support Enhances Cleft Care
Every cleft journey is unique. Beyond surgery and speech therapy, children, teens, and adults benefit from care that supports emotional well-being, self-esteem, and connection. Our neuropsychologist and clinical team help individuals and families understand how cleft-related experiences can affect confidence, communication, learning, and transitions at school and in relationships. Screenings and evaluations can identify cognitive strengths and challenges early, including attention, learning differences, or ADHD that may co-occur with a cleft.
With this insight, families, educators, and medical teams can collaborate to build targeted supports that help individuals thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, not just medically.
Education: Learning & Growing Together
Understanding the cleft journey helps families feel more confident and connected. These resources offer practical and emotional guidance for children, teens, and adults living with cleft conditions, and for the families and professionals who support them.
From developmental milestones and emotional well-being to surgery timelines and long-term care, this section provides clear, compassionate information to help you anticipate each stage and know what to expect.
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The Cleft Journey
Learn what to expect across different stages of care—surgery planning, dental and speech follow-ups, and psychosocial milestones. Understand why ongoing, coordinated care is important and how it supports both health and emotional development.
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Developmental & Learning Support
Learn about developmental services available to all families, including Early Intervention, Regional Center & school-based evaluations and services, including speech and OT, as well as classroom accommodations through IEPs or 504 Plans.
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Emotional Well-Being
Explore our growing, cleft-specific referral network, featuring trusted providers, specialists, and resources who understand the unique needs of this community. Additional resources coming soon on building community and emotional well-being.
Connect & Next Steps
Supporting individuals and families affected by cleft conditions requires collaboration—across medical, psychological, and educational settings. Whether you’re seeking guidance about learning and attention, emotional support, or resources for navigating school and daily life, we can help connect you with trusted professionals and community programs.
We collaborate closely with medical teams, speech-language pathologists, therapists, and educators to ensure care that addresses the whole person, not just the medical condition. Reach out to learn more about evaluations, psychosocial resources, or upcoming programs that support growth, confidence, and connection throughout the cleft journey.
Are you part of our clinic community or have you been invited by our team?
Access our private Cleft Community page for member-only resources and connections.