Parents are their child’s strongest advocates and know them best. At times, you may need to speak up during diagnosis, before surgery, or in the recovery period to ensure your child’s needs are met.

Access to craniofacial services may differ across states. There may also be differences depending on whether you wish to access services through the public or private health care system.

Hospital and specialist appointments are a big part of the craniofacial journey. These visits can sometimes be long, delayed, or overwhelming, especially if you have a baby or young child with you. A little preparation can make the experience easier and help you feel more in control.

Preparing for appointments with your child’s craniofacial team can feel overwhelming, and it is natural to have many questions. This fact sheet provides a list of questions that other parents have found helpful to ask. They cover a wide range of topics, from diagnosis and surgery, through to recovery, long-term care, and family considerations.