Custom social stories about cleft lip and palate
Finding the right words to explain your child’s cleft lip and palate history to them can be overwhelming. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, and the mom of someone with a repaired cleft lip and palate, I’m uniquely qualified to create social stories that will empower your child and put them at ease with past and future medical interventions. I’d love to work with you!
What is a Custom Social Story?
Social stories are therapeutic tools that support a reassuring and meaningful exchange of information, helping children build confidence and understanding. They are written in the first person (using “I” statements). There are more generic books for children available about cleft lip and palate, but those are not personalized - they don’t use your child’s name, and they don’t explain the particular details, doctors, or timelines involved in your child’s unique medical journey. I work directly with you to ensure that your family’s values and your child's own surgical milestones are emphasized. I use my two decades of expertise as a speech-language pathologist to ensure that the phrasing supports positive identity.
Dr. Anna Allen
Options & Pricing
Complete custom social story photobook: $200, plus cost of book and shipping
We meet by Zoom to discuss the specifics of your child’s story and what you would like addressed and emphasized. You share your photos with me digitally via a HIPAA-compliant platform. With your permission, I upload them to Shutterfly, and I create a draft of a photobook social story (pictures and text) for your family. I share the draft with you, and you let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to edit. You tell me what size you want the book, and whether it should be paperback or hard cover. I have the book shipped directly to you, and it’s ready to read with your child as soon as you open the box.
Custom social story text without photos: $100
If having photos as part of the social story doesn’t feel right for you, or you would prefer a less expensive option, I can create a text-only story for you. We meet by Zoom to discuss the specifics of your child’s story and what you would like addressed and emphasized. I send you a draft of the text by email, and you let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to edit. Later, if you wish, you can use your preferred photobook service (e.g., Shutterfly, Chatbooks) to add your own photos to the text for a complete custom book.
