Help the Cri
Research Found
A research study conducted by a group of scientists, Dr. Cornish, Dr. Bramble, F Munir, and J Pigram in the United Kingdom in 1999 asessed the cognitive functioning in children diagnosed with cri du chat syndrome. 26 children, aged between 6 years 4 months and 15 years 5 months, completed a series of tasks measuring IQ level, receptive and expressive language skills, and articulation. While profound intellectual impairment is considered a feature of the disorder, there had never been a study of cognitive functioning using psychological test materials to test the individuals. The study conducted aimed to clarify the cognitive status of individuals with cri du chat syndrome. The study proved that severe cognitive impairment can be named a characteristic of the disorder. Another finding was there were significant differences in the pattern of language functioning with better receptive than expressive language. The information obtained allows for health proffesionals were able to provide paients with appropriate therapy at very early stages of child development. The data collected indicates the importance of early educational and therapeutic implications that could immensly impact the prognosis in children with cri du chat syndrome. Through these findings, parents and health proffesionals can be optimistic about the potenial of affected children, as these children can comprehend complexer verbal commands than their expressive skills indicate. (Cornish, 1999).
As a result of the research conducted, emphasis has been put on early timing of interventions.
These medical advances can contribute to aiding future children affected with cri du chat, as numerous diverse strategies to increase cognitive status at early stages will be created and used.
5p-Society
5p-Society is a non-profit corporation, driven by parent support groups for families having children with the cri du chat syndrome. The organization, now consisting of over 800 families, was founded in 1986 by parents of children with the disorder. They aim are to spread awareness and education about the syndrome to other families and their service providers. The organization provides family support services, newsletters, annual meetings, and works with genetic researchers. The society has created a sucessful website, called International Cri Du Chat, in which is used as a crediable worldwide source to any parents, families, teachers, or health professionals aiming to learn about the rare genetic disorder.
From May 3-9 in 2015, 5p-Society lead a virtual 5k for 5p-, spreading awareness worldwide, in which they cosisted of a 5k race however had no official race location.
An ongoing 5p-Society funraising event, launched in 2013 is the Bravelets-bracelets for the brave, with every bracelet sold the organization recieves $10. (International Cri du Chat, 2013).
