Cri-du-chat syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 5 that results in a characteristic cat-like cry in infants. It is typically diagnosed at birth based on clinical symptoms and confirmed via chromosome or FISH analysis showing the deletion. Symptoms vary depending on the size of the deletion but can include delayed development, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, widely-spaced eyes, low muscle tone, and difficulties with language, feeding, and motor skills. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on support from a team of medical professionals, therapists, and educators to help each child reach their highest potential.

1. Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome
By: Karrey Cyrus

2. What is Cri-Du-Chat?
• Cri-du-chat is a genetic disorder that is caused
by the deletion of genetic material on the
small arm of the fifth chromosome.

3. How is it diagnosed?
• The diagnosis is normally done in the hospital
at birth. Usually the doctor or nurse notes the
clinical symptoms associated with the
condition. They look for the deletion in an
chromosome analysis. If the deletion isn’t
showing they perform a more detailed type of
genetic test called FISH analysis that more
than likely reveals the deletion.

4. What are the symptoms?
• The symptoms are based solely on the size of
the deletion. The basic symptoms include a
high-pitched cat-like cry, delayed
development, mental retardation, distinctive
facial features, widely-spaced eyes, small head
size, low birth weight, and weak muscle tone.
Also difficulty with language, feeding
difficulties and delays in walking, hyperactivity,
and scoliosis.

5. How can it be treated?
• Sadly their isn’t a treatment. However, the
best treatment is having ongoing support from
a team made up of the parents, therapists,
medical professionals and educational
professionals to help the child achieve his or
her highest potential.

6. This is Jalynn, my niece she has Cri-Du-Chat
This pictures are of her when she was younger.

7. YouTube video of NISHA
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--lx9c2EAwg/
This is a video of another child with Cri-Du-Chat. It
takes you through her life and her progression. To
me it is absolutely amazing to see. She is very much
like my niece. It is almost unbelievable how much
they are alike. This video is important to me because
when these children are diagnosed their parents are
told they wont be able to do much, such as, walk,
talk, dance, communicate, they give them limited
hope. This video gives an abundance of hope.

8. This is Jalynn and
her brother
Christian at her
Middle School
Graduation
06/12/14

9. Lol (she’s saying ahh when I said say cheese)
. I truly thank all of you for viewing this
portion of my informative speech… It
means a lot.