Cleft Care
Support for the emotional, medical, social, and developmental well-being of each individual and family.
If you are a member of our cleft community and want to access our community pages, click below.
Access is shared directly with clinic families. If you have not received the password, please email me directly.
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. As a neuropsychologist on a multidisciplinary cleft palate team, I work collaboratively to support 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.
For additional information about my team at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, please check out our website: https://www.saintjohnscleft.org/
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 aims to provide clear information to help you anticipate each stage and know what to expect.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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. Reach out to learn more.
Community Pages
Our member pages are reserved for families affiliated with our clinic. Access is shared individually to protect privacy.
If you are part of our clinic community and do not already have the password, please email Dr. LoBosco directly.