Cri-du-Chat Syndrome: Toward a Behavioral Phenotype
Kim Cornish, Ph.D., CPsychol, David Bramble, M.D.
& Penny Standen, Ph.D.

 Individuals with learning disabilities carry an increased risk of physical, behavioral and psychiatric problems that can severely affect the quality of life and increase burden of care. Cri-du-chat syndrome is a relatively rare condition but represents the most common deletion syndrome in humans. At birth, the main characteristic feature is the high-pitched "cat-like" cry from which the syndrome derives its name. In terms of physical and intellectual development, early research in the 1960's and 70's indicated a profile of profound mental retardation, hypotonia and decreased morbidity. However, extensive research over the past decade reveals a more optimistic profile of strengths and weaknesses. Crucially, greater knowledge of problems that may be specific or over represented in a condition such as cri-du-chat (either medical, behavioral or psychiatric) can greatly assist in developing early intervention and education programs that can optimize children's developmental opportunities.

Ment Health Aspects Dev Disabil 2001;4(4):156-160