About our Local Cleft Team

Austin Smiles works closely with Dell Children’s Craniofacial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Center, Texas Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Team, and other non-profit providers to ensure children in Central Texas who are born with cleft lip and/or palate have access to quality treatment in a positive, healing place. The multidisciplinary cleft team meets weekly to diagnose, discuss, and develop treatment plans for individual patients. The first visit may start with counseling even before a patient is born and continues through childhood and into adulthood. At the team visit, families meet with the plastic surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, and pediatric dentist. The nurse coordinator ensures a smooth path for every patient, from diagnosis through treatment. The craniofacial pediatrician addresses complex medical conditions that may be present. The social worker ensures that families are connected to vital resources and to each other. As patients are followed over the years, data is collected to study their long-term growth.

Social & Emotional Programming

Austin Smiles social and emotional events are a unique opportunity for children born with cleft lip and palate to reflect among their peers and discuss life’s challenges that only children like them can understand. These events also provide a space for caregivers to discuss the challenges of going through surgeries with their child, and ask questions about what to expect.

Camp Amigo – March

Each year, Austin Smiles hosts Camp Amigo giving young local children born with cleft lip/palate the chance to be themselves, make friends, and have a great time with other children living similar experiences. Camp Amigo is a no-cost therapeutic camp for up to 60 campers. Campers with all levels of abilities are given the opportunity to bond while enjoying camp activities that build self confidence and foster friendship.  The camp also provides an opportunity for group reflection among their peers.

Spring Family Fun Day – May

Austin Smiles annual Spring Event is an event held in Central Texas in the late Spring (Locations have included The Austin Zoo, Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, The Thinkery, and Zilker Park). Our Spring Event is geared towards families of children born with cleft lip & palate. Giving families access to a fun day in the sun to talk, play, share stories, and bond over similarities.

Back to School Event – August

Austin Smiles Back to School event aims to remind children that they are never alone on their journey and that there are other kids and teens who share similar experiences with them. Going back to school can be nerve-wracking for any child, but especially so for children and teens who may feel different than their peers. Our Back to School event is held at Dave & Buster’s in early August – allowing kids & their families access to school supplies, arcade games, food, and fun together!

Holiday Event – December

Austin Smiles annual Holiday Party is designed to bring together our Local Cleft Community during the Holiday Season for a warm meal, holiday activities for all ages, and family pictures. Austin Smiles provides each family with Financial Assistance for the holiday season and gifts for the whole family to enjoy.

Therapeutic Services

Austin Smiles offers no-cost therapeutic and support services to children born with cleft lip and palate throughout Central Texas. Services include Speech and Feeding Therapy, preventative dental care, hearing & vision screenings, parent support programming, and referrals to additional resources. Speech and Feeding Therapy services are provided on an ongoing, semester-based schedule and tailored to each child’s individual needs. Use the link below to apply.

Smile & Shine Fair – September

The Austin Smiles Smile & Shine Fair provides children with cleft and craniofacial conditions access to essential health and wellness services at no cost. In partnership with local providers, this annual event offers preventative dental care, speech and language evaluations, hearing screenings, vision exams, oral health education, and referrals for follow-up care as needed. The Smile & Shine Fair helps families identify potential concerns early and connect with resources that support their child’s long-term health and development.

Raising Resilience Parent Support Group – Quarterly

Raising Resilience is Austin Smiles’ quarterly parent support program designed for parents and caregivers of children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Led by mental health professionals from Austin Child Guidance Center alongside experienced Parent Advocates, these interactive sessions provide education, emotional support, and practical tools for navigating the cleft journey. Parents have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, discuss challenges and successes, learn strategies for building resilience in their children, and gain access to valuable resources and community support.