Felicia Said:

Any advice on the appropriate age to start speech therapy?

We Answered:

I agree with as early as possible..My daughter is 2 1/2 years old and we did start speech..We had to pull out for a bit because she needs new tubes put in and her ears are impacted..Our cleft team said they don't really do much until school age and I kind of forced the issue..The girl didn't talk! She would get so frustrated and actually start hitting..When we did go, she did terrific..Trust me, at that age you WILL NOT be wasting your time..It is amazing what they do for the kids and how fast things start progressing..Good luck to you!

Terry Said:

Bilateral Cleft Lip & Palate Shout Out!?

We Answered:

I enjoyed reading your history and I am glad that modern medicine and dentistry could impact you life so positively....but I think your outlook is to be commended. Good luck in your search and desire to help others with similar conditions. God Bless

Tommy Said:

Does anyone know anyone or themselves had a successful claim to ssi/medicaid for cleft lip/palate?

We Answered:

Have you visited www.cleftadvocate.org There is a page on there specifically for help with insurance..Also, the message board is very active and you will find a lot of people going through the same thing you are..My daughter is 2 and is pretty much not talking..They (cleft team) sent us to a ST through the school district...Didn't like what they were doing AT ALL! We're looking into private ST and hoping we have some luck with them..I know it can be hard to get help, but if you keep trying, it's out there..If you haven't yet, visit that site and post your question..I'm sure you'll find some answers! Good luck to you!

Minnie Said:

Associated problems with bifid uvula - diagnosis / genetic testing?

We Answered:

I have a daughter with a cleft lip and palate..www.cleftadvocate.org is a wonderful place to go to ask information..Post on the message board and I'm sure you'll find a lot of information that you're looking for and others in your situation..

Hector Said:

I need some help with girl names for this baby.?

We Answered:

I have a daughter that was born with a cleft lip and palate, so I understand the speech issues..M's are the easiest for my daughter to say..R's are pretty difficult..So are L's, atleast for her...Her sister's name is Eva Marie and she can actually say it...Her name is Ella and she'll hardly attempt that name at all...I'll say, "what's YOUR name" she'll say "Eva"..I'd say pick out the name that you like the most, if anything she'll probably end up with a nickname, something close to how your boys say her name..Every name you have there (and they are all GREAT names) are going to pose a problem with speech in some way...I'll always love Eva, but Ava is a popular name..My daughter can say that, trust me, her speech is pretty far behind..Ava Marie is very pretty! Good luck to you and your family! I'm sure you'll come up with the perfect name for your new addition!

Jo Said:

baby with cleft palate?

We Answered:

i don't know the answers to most of your questions, but i can tell you that it isn't necessarily a lifelong disability...i've known three people with a cleft palate -- all were perfectly fine otherwise, and recovered great from surgery. one had a slight speech impediment. all graduated from college, obtained great careers, married and had children.

btw, did you know that Peyton Manning was born with a cleft palate? (he's SO cute!). :)

Lonnie Said:

My 5 yr old is still frightened of the hoover!?

We Answered:

Aw bless her. Have her checked out at the doctors, and if there is physically nothing wrong with her then do this: Sit her down with the hoover (off) and tell her what a big brave girl she is. Praise her. then ask if she thinks she is brave enough to turn the hoover on. Do this every day til she says yes. Then when (eventually) she agrees, put it on your hand and say 'look! it is kind and it tickles, It does NOT hurt. Do this on her hand. tell her how brave she is and that there is nothing to Be afraid of.

Hope this helps xxx