Creating Smiles, Improving Lives

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.

Local Cleft-Community Events

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 the following activities: ziplining, horseback riding, fishing, photoshop, kickball, cooking classes, swimming, etc. The camp also provides an opportunity for group reflection among their peers.

Spring Event – 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 – November

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.