Cri du chat syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by a distinctive high-pitched, cat-like cry or call ('cri du chat' meaning cat's cry in French). This cry often persists throughout the person’s lifespan with adults continuing to 'speak' using a monotone, high pitched call.
The effects of cri du chat syndrome are extremely variable, however almost all people with cri du chat have some degree of intellectual disability, speech and language impairment as well as poor motor skills. Some individuals can have severe intellectual disability, are unable to walk or talk and experience other health problems.
In regards to verbal communication, some people are able to speak using short sentences or a few words while others express themselves more effectively via gestures or sign language.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The major symptoms of cri du chat syndrome include:
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
The major barriers to employment for people with cri du chat syndrome relate to verbal communication and the development of vocational skills such as understanding and learning new tasks. Some options to assist with overcoming these barriers at work may include:
- organising the work day with set structure and routine
- if possible enable work duties to be done in one area to assist with familiarisation and learning
- introduce new tasks slowly and allow time for repetition to help with learning
- use prompts to trigger memory and recall such as alarms, computer alerts, visual prompts, cue cards, task breakdown lists or use of a buddy system
- education for co-workers about the condition, and any information about the person such as how they best communicate, interact or mobilise
- identifying effective communication strategies based on what is used most effectively within the home
- consider the need for specialised seating if balance or posture is affected.
(Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia 2007; Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia 2004; Better Health Channel 2007)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2007, Cri du chat syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 27 February 2009, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cri_du_chat_syndrome?open
Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia 2004, Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia Inc., Langwarrin, viewed 22 September 2008, http://www.criduchat.asn.au/criduchat/what.htm#Characteristics2
Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia 2007, What is Cri du Chat Syndrome?, Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia Inc., Langwarrin, viewed 22 September 2008, http://www.criduchat.asn.au/criduchat/what.htm#Cri%20du%20Chat%20Syndrome