By: B-smooth

 Chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing.  It is a deletion disorder.

 cognitive defect, delayed development and difficulty speaking  long face, macrostomia, and scoliosis are also other effects

 One of the most characteristic features in newborn children is a high-pitched cat-like cry that is usually considered diagnostic for the syndrome

 What can be expected varies, but mental retardation is usual. Half of children with Cri du chat syndrome learn sufficient verbal skills to communicate. The cat-like cry becomes less apparent over time.

 No specific treatment is available for this syndrome. The mental retardation must be addressed, and counseling is recommended for the parents.

 Currently, there are no trials specifically investigating cri du chat syndrome. However, there is one study enrolling individuals with chromosomal abnormalities.

 Parents of a child with this syndrome should have genetic counseling and a karyotype test to determine if one parent has a rearrangement of chromosome 5

 Joel is a happy and loving little boy who loves people, and loves to be the centre of everyone’s attention. He loves to laugh and make us laugh – with things like his “monkey face” and his “crazy- man dance”. He loves our dogs, going swimming, balls, balloons, ice cream, and the Teletubbies. He hates the feel of grass. He rarely complains about anything, and just has a beautiful nature. He’s such a good little boy, and is adored by everyone who has the pleasure of knowing him. 

 syndrome   ers/whataregd/cdc/images/cri-du- chat_diagram.gif  htm