Facial difference

What is a Facial Difference?

The term facial difference is used to refer to someone who was born with a medical condition that affects the way their face looks. A facial difference can also come about later in life through an accident, illness or surgery and include differences in speech, physical appearance, learning, behaviour and social abilities.

When people have differences they may be more likely to experience taunting and other forms of bullying than their peers. It is important to be able to identify teasing, taunting and bullying and to learn strategies to address them.

Teasing and Bullying Guidebook

The Teasing and Bullying Guidebook was developed by Holland Bloorview and the Hospital for Sick Children for children with facial differences and their families.

• The Difference between Teasing and Bullying
• Warning Signs
• Strategies for Coping with Bullying
• What Parents Can Do
• What a Child Can Do
• Role Playing
• Additional Resources

Facial Difference Resources

• AboutFace
• Children's Craniofacial Association - Syndromes
• Cleft Palate Foundation