Correction of deformational auricular anomalies by moulding--results of a fast-track service.

Aim: To report on the result of a fast-track referral service in treating deformational auricular anomalies using moulding therapy, by employing nurses who were familiar with the indications and technique, working in close liaison with plastic surgeons.

Methods: A deformational auricular anomaly is defined as an ear having normal chondrocutaneous components but an abnormal architecture; therefore, it can be manipulated digitally to a normal shape. Having demonstrated the value of auricular moulding therapy to our neonatal practitioners, we established a fast-track referral and treatment protocol for infants with deformational auricular anomalies.

Improving the ability of elementary school-age children to identify emotion in facial expression.

The authors evaluated an intervention program developed to remediate children's deficits in reading emotions in facial expressions. Thirty children from 2 elementary schools in suburban Atlanta participated in 6 30-min sessions over 4 weeks in which they were taught to discriminate, identify, express, and apply facial expression cues. The ability to read emotion in facial expressions significantly improved for the intervention group compared with the control group.