Abstract
The psychomotor development of 65 noninstitutionalized individuals with cri-du-chat syndrome was examined through parental questionnaire responses and supporting medical records. Social quotients determined by a Vineland Maturity Scale ranged from 6 to 85, the ages at which developmental milestones were attained varied from the upper limits of normal to six years delayed. Achievement levels were influenced favorably by the early introduction of special education, and were affected adversely by the presence of an unbalanced translocation. This study suggests that many children with cri-du-chat syndrome can attain developmental and social skills normally seen in 5- to 6-year-old children, although their linguistic abilities are seldom as advanced. Contrary to the commonly portrayed clinical picture of severe mental retardation and bedridden debilitation, the older home-reared cri-du-chat child was usually ambulatory, had a moderate degree of independence in self-care skills, and was able to communicate either verbally or through gestural sign language. Physicians and parents should be aware of the full range of psychomotor potential of the child with cri-du-chat syndrome in order to make informed decisions concerning institutional placement.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 401-405 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | The Journal of pediatrics |
| Volume | 97 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1980 |
Funding
From the Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Medical College of Virginia. Supported in part by a Clinical Service Grant from the National Foundation-March of Dimes and National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Training Grant T32GM7492. *Reflrint address: Department of Human Genetics, Box 33, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 23298.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
