Doctor hopes release of Wonder opens minds

A: I think this movie will show that these children are a lot like you and me, and maybe it will help reduce bullying. It’ll be a great way for other young people to understand that differences are not always bad.

That can be really valuable for our patients. Some of them feel like they’re being stared at, and they become shy. Others are more comfortable. If someone stares at them, they just say "Hi." 

These kids with facial differences are just as charismatic, if not more, than you and me. They’re just as intellectual. They have feelings, too.

What causes facial differences?

A: There are hundreds of syndromes that cause facial differences. There’s Pierre Robin syndrome, we treat a lot of that. There's also Treacher Collins, like in the movie, and we've also treated some kids with Nager syndrome and Hurler syndrome. There's also syndromic and hereditary cleft lip and palate.

How are facial differences and problems associated with them such as speech and hearing concerns treated?

A: In the Craniofacial Anomalies and Cleft Palate Clinic at MUSC Children's Health, we use a team approach. We have oral maxillofacial surgeons, craniofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons. We also have ear, nose and throat specialists, orthodontists and speech therapists, along with people who can help with the cosmetic side. The clinic stays busy. We meet this coming Tuesday, and our clinic will be completely packed.

What would you want people to know about children with facial differences?

A: They're amazingly resilient. We see them from when they’re an infant through 18 or 19 years old. A lot of times, you can only do certain surgeries as they grow. By the time they’re 16, they might have gone through 15 or 20 surgeries. Most of us don't go through that in a lifetime. Whole families don't go through that in a lifetime.

Have you read the book and do you plan to see the movie?

A: I have not read the book but I do want to see the movie. I saw a trailer for it.