Patient and Family Education
We want you to have all the information you and your child need to understand their condition, get the support you need and take part in treatment. We hope these links to resources will be helpful.
Resources at Seattle Children’s
- What to expect at the Craniofacial Center
- For Patients and Families
- Seattle Children’s Family Resource Center
- Guest Services
- Social Work
- Billing and Financial Assistance
Instructions for taking photos of your child's head shape or cleft lip and palate
If your child is already a patient or you are seeking care with Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center, our team will need photos of your child’s head shape or facial difference.
View our instructions for taking photos of your child’s head shape (PDF) (Spanish)
View our instructions for taking photos of your child’s facial difference. (PDF)
- JPEG file format is preferred
- Please e-mail photos as an attachment or send a link to an online or cloud storage service to [email protected]
- If you are not already a patient, please have your primary care or craniofacial provider contact us or provide their contact information. If you are live outside the Northwest region of Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho learn more about support for out-of-area patients.
- If you have a referral, you will need to call the Craniofacial Center at 206-987-1116 to schedule your appointment.
- You can also upload the photos directly to your Seattle Children's MyChart account.
Travel and Housing Support
We offer support and guidance if you live outside of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. Learn more.
Condition-Specific Resources
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22q11.2-related disorders (velo-cardio-facial syndrome)
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about 22q11.2-related disorders or 22Q11.2-Related Disorders (PDF) (Spanish).
A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures by Quinn Bradlee
When he was 14, Bradlee was diagnosed with a type of 22q11.2-related disorder (velo-cardio-facial syndrome, VCFS), which can cause a variety of health and learning problems. Bradlee describes the challenges and joys of living “a different life” with disarming candor and humor.22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome - Genetics Home Reference
Information on 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. -
Apert syndrome
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about Apert syndrome.
Apert Syndrome
This site is sponsored by parents of children with Apert syndrome. It has links to clinical information and to personal web pages about families and their experience with Apert syndrome.Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones by Jeanne McDermott
This book presents a very moving story of a mother’s experience after the birth of her child, who was diagnosed with Apert syndrome. It describes the joy and the agony families experience as they deal with medical complexity while falling in love with their child.Apert Syndrome - Genetics Home Reference
Information on Apert syndrome and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. -
CHARGE syndrome
The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation
This foundation supports people with CHARGE syndrome and their families. The foundation promotes research. It also gathers, develops and distributes information about the syndrome.CHARGE Syndrome - GeneReviews
Diagnosis, management and genetic counseling for CHARGE syndrome. GeneReviews are written by medical experts and are peer reviewed. They are produced by the National Center for Biotechnology. -
Cleft lip and palate
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about cleft lip and palate.
Cleft Feeding Instructions
Tips from Seattle Children’s nurses on ways to feed your baby, plus bottles and other equipment to help when a baby has cleft lip or palate.Understanding Cleft Lip & Palate: Guide for New Parents (free video)
Candid conversations with parents are interwoven with insightful information from craniofacial experts in this film about cleft lip and palate. Request a free video. Available in English and Spanish.Cleft Lip and Palate: Critical Elements of Care
Cleft Lip and Palate: Critical Elements of Care was written for healthcare providers. Some families have found this helpful for understanding their child’s care.Early Speech Development in Children with a Cleft Palate (PDF) Spanish
This handout from Seattle Children’s explains how speech develops in children who have a cleft palate. It has tips to help your child’s speech-making skills before and after surgery to repair a cleft palate.American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
An organization of healthcare professionals who treat children with cleft lip and palate. Resources include fact sheets about treatment, emotions and social issues. Available in English and Spanish.Cleft Advocate
Provides educational and support resources for families of children with a cleft. The website includes insurance and advocacy information and online family networking. -
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM)
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about craniofacial microsomia.
Craniofacial Microsomia – Genetics Home Reference
Information on craniofacial microsomia and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.Craniofacial Microsomia – GeneReviews
Diagnosis, management and genetic counseling for craniofacial microsomia. GeneReviews are written by medical experts and are peer reviewed. They are produced by the National Center for Biotechnology. -
Craniosynostosis (nonsyndromic)
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about craniosynostosis.
CranioKids
This site was started by parents who wanted to learn from others who had experience with craniosynostosis. A supportive and fun place for families and friends to enjoy each other’s company.These videos help explain craniosynostosis and treatment options and share other families’ experiences.
What is craniosynostosis?
Learn more about craniosynostosis.
A Diagnosis of Craniosynostosis
Watch this video to hear our experts discuss the diagnosis of craniosynostosis.
One Family’s Journey with Sagittal Craniosynostosis and Advice for Others
Hear about one family’s journey through sagittal craniosynostosis treatment at Seattle Children’s and get their advice for other families.
Craniosynostosis: What to Expect on Surgery Day
Learn what to expect on your child’s craniofacial surgery day, including what you can bring along.
Treatment Options for Sagittal Craniosynostosis
Dr. Richard Hopper shares information on two treatment options for sagittal synostosis: open cranial remodeling and endoscopic release. Learn how the craniofacial team at Seattle Children’s partners with families to make the choice that is best for your baby.
Fronto-orbital Advancement for Metopic and Unilateral Coronal Synostosis
Dr. Richard Hopper explains our recommended treatment for metopic and unilateral coronal synostosis. The surgery is performed by a pediatric plastic surgeon trained in craniofacial surgery and a pediatric neurosurgeon.
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DiGeorge Syndrome
See resources for 22q.11.2-related disorders.
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Facial differences
Accessing Services to Support Your Child’s Development: Infants and Toddlers (PDF) (Spanish)
Accessing Services to Support Your Child’s Development: School Age (PDF) (Spanish)
Websites
About Face International
Provides information and support to people with facial differences and their families.AmeriFace
Seeks to increase public understanding through awareness programs and education. The group provides information and emotional support to people with facial differences and their families.Center for Young Women’s Health, Boston Children’s Hospital
This site offers friendly advice and practical tips for building a healthy body image and good self-esteem for teens with facial differences. Both females and males may find it helpful.Changing Faces
Information and support for people with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance. The organization also works to change public attitudes to make it easier to live with an unusual appearance.Children’s Craniofacial Association
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with facial differences and their families. The group addresses medical, financial, emotional, social and educational concerns.FACES
Provides information for families affected by craniofacial conditions. The site includes information about financial assistance.Foundation for Faces of Children
Clear, accurate information for people born with craniofacial conditions and their families. Resources include a video for families of children with clefts.Recommended reading
Children with Facial Difference: A Parent’s Guide by Hope Charkins
The mother of a child with Treacher Collins syndrome, Charkins is also a clinical social worker. Her book is an excellent resource. It deals with concrete needs such as insurance. She also offers guidance about emotions and coping.Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones by Jeanne McDermott
This book presents a very moving story of a mother’s experience after the birth of her child with Apert syndrome. An excellent description of a family’s joy and the agony as they deal with medical complexity while falling in love with their child.A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures by Quinn Bradlee
When he was 14, Bradlee was diagnosed with a 22q11.2-related disorder (velo-cardio-facial syndrome, VCFS). It can cause a wide range of physical ailments and learning disabilities. Bradlee describes the challenges and joys of living “a different life” with disarming candor and humor.Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
This book details the personal experience of Grealy, who was treated for bony facial cancer in childhood and went on to have reconstructive facial surgery. Provides detailed descriptions of the experience of facial difference, as well as a child’s perspective on medical care.Changing Faces: The Challenge of Facial Disfigurement by James Partridge
At age 19, James Partridge was badly burned in a car accident, including significant damage to his face. He now directs a counseling and advocacy organization in England known as Changing Faces. This very helpful volume describes his personal experience and professional work in this organization.Craniofacial Conditions and Your Insurance
This question-and-answer guide deals with challenging insurance-denial situations. It is prepared by Washington Appleseed and Foster Pepper. -
Facial palsy
A Guide to Understanding Facial Palsy (PDF) - Children’s Craniofacial Association
A resource for parents from the Children's Craniofacial Association. -
Microtia
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Moebius syndrome
Moebius Syndrome Foundation
Provides information, resources and support for children and adults with Moebius syndrome.A Guide to Understanding Facial Palsy (PDF)
A resource for parents from the Children’s Craniofacial Association. -
Positional plagiocephaly
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about positional plagiocephaly.
Torticollis (PDF) (Simplified Chinese) (Spanish)
Information from Seattle Children’s on what you can do if your baby’s head and neck are in an abnormal position (torticollis). -
Robin sequence
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about Robin sequence.
Isolated Pierre Robin seqeuence
Information on Robin sequence and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. -
Stickler syndrome
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about Stickler syndrome.
Sticklers
A website with medical information, networking, support, news and updates for families affected by Stickler syndrome.Stickler Syndrome - Genetics Home Reference
Information on Stickler syndrome and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.Stickler Syndrome - GeneReviews
Diagnosis, management and genetic counseling for Stickler syndrome. GeneReviews are written by medical experts and are peer reviewed. They are produced by the National Center for Biotechnology. -
Treacher Collins syndrome
Contact our Craniofacial Center to learn more about Treacher Collins syndrome.
Children with Facial Difference: A Parent’s Guide by Hope Charkins
The mother of a child with Treacher Collins syndrome, Charkins is also a clinical social worker. Her helpful book deals with concrete needs such as insurance. She also offers guidance about coping.Treacher Collins Syndrome - GeneReviews
Diagnosis, management and genetic counseling for Treacher Collins syndrome. GeneReviews are written by medical experts and are peer reviewed. They are produced by the National Center for Biotechnology.Treacher Collins Syndrome - Genetics Home Reference
Information on Treacher Collins syndrome and the genes related to this condition. This online resource is from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. -
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD)
- All about VPI (Velopharyngeal Insufficiency) (video, 3:14)
- Evaluating VPD in Your Child (PDF) (Spanish)
- VPD (Velopharyngeal Dysfunction) (PDF) (Spanish)
- VPI (Velopharyngeal Insufficiency) (PDF) (Spanish)
- VPM (Velopharyngeal Mislearning) (PDF) (Spanish)
Support and Support Groups
Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Family Chat
This private Facebook group is a great network of peer support for patients of the Craniofacial Center and their families. The Craniofacial Center’s family liaison manages the group.
Camp Korey
A camp for youth 7 to 16 years old, including sessions for kids with facial differences.
Sibshops: For Siblings of Children with Special Health and Developmental Needs
Activities at Seattle Children’s for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.
Contact Us
Contact the Craniofacial Center at 206-987-2208 for an appointment, a second opinion, a social work consultation or more information.