Developmental Delays and 5p-

Mike and Joyce speak with Laura Castillo, Executive Director of FivePMinus.org, helping families affected by Cri du Chat (Cat Cry) Syndrome (CdCs).

Babies born with CdCs are characterized at birth by a high-pitched cry, low birth weight, poor muscle tone, microcephaly, and potential medical complications.  "5p-" is a term used by geneticists to describe a portion of the short arm of chromosome number five that is missing in these individuals.  Some of the facial characteristics include:

• Round "moon shaped" face
• Small upturned nose at birth
• Small or low set chin (micrognathis)
• Low positioned ears
• Downward slanting of the eyes
• Wide spaced eyes
• Extra skin fold at the inner corner of one or both eyes (epicanthal fold)

These facial features usually elongate as the child enters adulthood.  Children with CdCs are often also diagnosed with autism since many of the developmental issues are similar.

There is a great deal of good information on this syndrome on their website.  See especially http://www.fivepminus.org/Development

Laura shares with us the origins of the 5p- Society, the national family support group for individuals with Cri du Chat Syndrome.  They group shares expeerience and provides support to individuals and families affected by CdCs, sharing strategies for managing the syndrome and supporting their children in achieving his or her maximum potential  Children with Cri du Chat Syndrome can lead full and meaningful lives with love and support.