Wide Smiles Cleft Lip and Palate Information
Matthew Lovett and the issue of cleft lip and/or palate
Press Release:
It is with great interest that we are following the story of Matthew Lovett and the alleged Columbine-type plan of attack of which he is accused. Of great interest to us is that it was the teasing endured by him and his brother over issues involving his brother’s cleft lip/palate that contributed to this plan.
We are here to offer to the media, a reliable, responsible and sensitive resource regarding information surrounding cleft and clefting issues.
FaceUP! Is one arm of the Wide Smiles organization. FaceUP! Is dedicated to responsible media portrayal and reporting of all cleft issues. Please refer to our website at www.widesmiles.org/faceup/
We acknowledge that teasing is a problem for many children born with cleft. Peer sanctions can lead to a poor self image and ongoing problems as the child matures, including many post traumatic stress-type issues, such as failure to make and maintain meaningful relationships and issues of anger control. However, this extreme is not the norm. One in 700 children are born with a cleft. Most adjust well through life. Many report that, while enduring the pain of teasing was difficult, it had the effect of making them stronger, more understanding people. Some – a minority – have the sort of baggage that can interfere with a successful adulthood.
At Wide Smiles, we have information available to assist parents in dealing with these sorts of issues, such that the negative impact on the children involved is minimized. Of particular interest to us now is that the REPORTING of issues related to this young man’s brother’s cleft does not contribute to the problem of a negative self image for all the other many children and adults in the community who deal with these same issues.
First and foremost, I applaud the news media for using the correct and acceptable term, “Cleft palate”. I am assuming the boy also had a cleft lip, which is also an acceptable term. Please be aware that the term, “Harelip” is outmoded and offensive.
I wish to make myself available for telephone interview if more information is needed. As the mother of three born with cleft and the founding director of Wide Smiles, I am certain that I have much to contribute to this issue. We also have a database of several families of cleft-affected children all over the US who would be open to interview.
Sincerely,
Joanne Green
Wide Smiles Director
209-942-2812
The links
below will take you to documents on the WideSmiles site that relate to
self-esteem, self-image and teasing.
Handling Teasing in the Higher Grades
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-700.html
This document discusses ways of promoting understanding among middle
school and high school effective ways of minimizing negative impacts.
The Concept of Zero Tolerance
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-724.html
Discusses zero tolerance in schools and how it can be achieved.
Teasing and Reality
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-755.html
One person's experience with cleft-related teasing and his understanding
of the phenomenon.
Oh-Oh, Problems
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-336.html
When a child that always seemed well adjusted suddenly demonstrates anger,
or other cleft-related issues.
Looking Back; A Cleft Affected Adult's Viewpoint
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-737.html
One person's advice to others, based on his lifetime spent dealing with
cleft and cleft issues.
When they Notice They are Different
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-731.html
Personal story of how one family intervened early on to help thier son
articulate his needs concerning his differences. Contains the poem,
"Ultimate Protection."
The Tools We Give Our Children
http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-750.html
A very powerful document, compiles by WS director, Joanne Green, and
several cleft-affected adults, outlining the tools we must give our
children to ensure success in life.