National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month: How Speech and Occupational Therapy Make a Difference

July is National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and celebrating the incredible strength of individuals born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial differences.

At Marigold Speech & Co. in Janesville, Wisconsin, we are honored to support children and families affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions through specialized speech therapy, feeding therapy, and occupational therapy services.

What Are Cleft and Craniofacial Differences?

A cleft lip occurs when the lip does not fully form during pregnancy, creating an opening in the upper lip. A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth does not completely close.

Craniofacial differences encompass a variety of conditions affecting the head, face, and jaw.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth differences in the United States.

While many children undergo surgeries and medical interventions, therapy services often play a critical role in helping children thrive throughout infancy, childhood, and beyond.

How Speech Therapy Helps Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are an essential part of the cleft and craniofacial care team. Children with cleft palate may experience challenges with:

• Speech sound production

• Resonance disorders, including hypernasality

• Articulation difficulties

• Language delays

• Feeding and swallowing concerns

• Oral motor coordination

At Marigold Speech & Co., our speech therapists work closely with families and medical providers to support communication development through individualized treatment plans.

Speech Therapy May Include:

✔ Articulation therapy

✔ Resonance therapy

✔ Feeding and swallowing support

✔ Parent education and home strategies

✔ Early intervention services for infants and toddlers

✔ Augmentative and Alternative

Communication (AAC) support when needed

Our goal is to help every child find their voice and communicate confidently.

The Important Role of Occupational Therapy

Many families are surprised to learn that occupational therapy (OT) can also be incredibly beneficial for children with cleft and craniofacial differences.

Children may experience challenges related to:

• Feeding and sensory processing

• Fine motor skills

• Self-care skills

• Emotional regulation

• Body awareness and coordination

• Developmental delays related to extended medical experiences

Occupational Therapy Can Support:

✔ Sensory feeding challenges

✔ Mealtime participation

✔ Fine motor development

✔ Self-regulation and coping skills

✔ Independence with daily routines

✔ Confidence and participation at school and in the community

At Marigold Speech & Co., our occupational therapists work alongside our speech-language pathologists to provide comprehensive, family-centered care.

Early Intervention Matters

The earlier concerns are identified, the sooner support can begin.

Early intervention services can significantly impact a child’s:

• Feeding success

• Speech and language development

• Social communication skills

• Confidence and independence

• Overall quality of life

Parents know their children best. If you have concerns about your child’s feeding, speech, language development, or sensory needs, seeking an evaluation is an important first step.

You Are Not Alone

Families navigating cleft and craniofacial diagnoses often face surgeries, appointments, and many unknowns. It truly takes a team.

At Marigold Speech & Co., we believe every child deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered.

This National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month, we celebrate the resilience of children and families affected by cleft and craniofacial differences and honor the providers, caregivers, and communities who walk alongside them.

Marigold Speech & Co. | Speech and Occupational Therapy in Janesville, Wisconsin

Marigold Speech & Co. proudly provides:

🌼 Speech Therapy

🌼 Feeding and Swallowing Therapy, FEES

🌼 Early Intervention Services

🌼 Occupational Therapy

🌼 AAC Evaluations and Support

🌼 Literacy and Academic Support Services

If you have questions about your child’s development or would like to schedule an evaluation, we’d love to help.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and thrive.