Language development in Cri-du-Chat children

Cri-du-Chat syndrome (CdCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by a deletion of chromosome 5. Clinical features include high-pitched cry, microcephaly, facial dysmorphisms and a severe mental delay characterised by learning disabilities and reduced verbal abilities. It has been described a strength in receptive language skills compared with expressive language skills. Aim of this study was to analyse the linguistic development of 7 Italian subjects with CdCS to reveal asymmetries comparing to normal subjects matched for mental age. CdCS' performance was better than their mental age and a slight asymmetry between production and comprehension was present.