Children with Clift lips and palates.
Because insurance companies say clefts do not need to be fixed and that they are cosmetic only, it is difficult getting help covering the cost, also It is difficult getting help raising a child with extra needs such as speech therapy. There are several ways to help prevent clefts such as taking folic acid while pregnant. Kids with clefts can be bullied more often due to their different appearance.

This site has facts about cleft lips and plates such as “A cleft means a split or separation; the palate is the roof of the mouth.” (American Academy of Otolaryngology, 2012) also presented in this article is several assumptions about what causes them and what can be done as treatment. This site doesn’t provide a great deal of raw data for the purpose of the thesis but is a good starting point to learn a little more about the subject.
American Academy of Otolaryngology. (2012). “Fact Sheet: Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate”. Retrieved on
06/24/12 from website http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/cleftLipPalate.cfm.

This site has good questions to ask such as if your child with a cleft will have a hard time learning to talk, as well as good links to other sources of information for those of us looking to learn more about children’s clefts. Noting that “Usually, but not always, the doctor will see the cleft right after the baby is born.”( American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1997-2012) makes a good point that you can start preparing for the situation before hand to be better prepared.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1997-2012). “Cleft Lip and Palate”. Retrieved on
06/24/12 from website http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/CleftLip.htm.

Being a government site the CDC is a great resource to use as it represents facts about what has been studied on with clefts like, “Diabetes―Women with diabetes diagnosed before pregnancy have been shown to be an increased risk of having a child with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate.”(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Since this site has a lot hard facts this is a good site to reference.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). “Facts about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate”. Retrieved on
06/24/12 from website http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/CleftLip.html.

This is a nice sized article including everything from what a cleft is to who gets a cleft and prognosis of children with them. It covers other good aspects including dental care “Early dental care. Like other children, children born with cleft lip and cleft palate require proper cleaning, good nutrition and fluoride treatment in order to have healthy teeth.”(MedicineNet, 1996-2012). This is one of the more extensive sites I’ve found on clefts giving lots of useful information about dealing with the situation of raising children with clefts.
MedicineNet. (1996-2012). “Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate”. Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://www.medicinenet.com/cleft_palate_and_cleft_lip/article.htm. This is a good resource for finding the cost and options for getting a cleft repaired, including things about the cost, additional cost, what should be included in the surgery “In cleft lip surgery, which can be done at three months of age, the surgeon, will make one incision on each side the cleft, then pull tissue down and close the opening. If nose correction is necessary, it can be done at the same time.”(CostHelper, 2012). With all the facts about cost this is a good site to see what this could cost without insurance help.
CostHelper, Inc.(2012) “Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Cost”. Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://health.costhelper.com/cleft-lip-palate.html

This site goes on very well about the reasons that insurance companies are against paying for cleft repairs such as it not being medically necessary, nor medical at all calling the repair a pure cosmetic surgery with no health benefits “Insurance companies often cover only that which is necessary to save life or restore function”.(Wide Smiles, 1996) This is a good start to learn how to deal with insurance companies, however it doesn’t give anything that indicates what it states are facts but rather discussion and or opinions of the author.
Wide Smiles(1996) “Taking on the Big Guys” Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://www.widesmiles2.org/cleftlinks/WS-234.html Here we have a good source on kids being bullied from why kids bully to how to help your child deal with bullies, “If your child tells you about a bully, focus on offering comfort and support, no matter how upset you are.”(The Nemours Foundation, 1995-2012). I think this is a good site due to its facts about state laws and review by a PhD candidate.
The Nemours Foundation.(1995-2012) Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/bullies.html A study done by Montana State University here dives into stereo types of children who bully others breaking down who does it, who is likely to be bullied and what bullying is “ Bullying is any kind of ongoing physical or verbal mistreatment where there is unequal power between two or more people”.(MSU Extension, 2008), The site provides a great break down on everything involved in bullying. It also provides insight into bullying at different age groups from preschool to adolescence. As the paper was done by a university it seems this would be very creditable work.
MSU Extension(2008) “Children and Bullying: A Guide for Parents.” Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT200307HR.pdf

Great article that goes over everything with bullying from characteristics of kids who bully, the type of kids who get bullied, what children should do and how parents can help. It also includes information on what role schools play and links for places to go to get more information on help with bullies. “Schools play a critical role in stopping bullying, because most aggression happens on school grounds during recess, in lunch rooms, or in bathrooms”. (WebMD, 2005-2012) Information should be valid since it is reviewed and modified as needed last reviewed by Susan C. Kim, MD – Pediatrics.
WebMD (2005-2012) “Bullying - Topic Overview” Retrieved on 06/24/12 from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/tc/bullying-topic-overview Here we go over what a cleft palate is and the operation you go through to have it repaired, and what you will need to do at home after the surgery for children of different ages. “Up to 2 hours before the scheduled arrival time, give only clear liquids.”(Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 2012). Gives information on your role as the parent, about what to aspect while your child is sleeping, when they wake up and other special needs you may consider. The information here is provided by the hospital so you will know what to do at home. Information provided by medical professionals should be highly regarded.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (2012) “Cleft Palate Repair” Retrieved on 06/24/12 from website http://www.chp.edu/CHP/Cleft+Palate+Repair