Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group

The Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group is an international, non-profit organization located in the United Kingdom. Established in 1991 and consisting of 180 families, the group exists primarily to support parents and caregivers of individuals with Cri Du Chat syndrome and to provide appropriate information on this disorder. Cri Du Chat, a rare chromosomal disorder caused by a partial deletion of chromosomal material from the short arm of chromosome 5 (5p deletion), is characterized by a distinctive catlike cry during infancy, mild to severe mental retardation, and craniofacial abnormalities including widely spaced eyes, a broad nasal bridge, an abnormally small head (microcephaly), and round face. The Cri Du Chat syndrome Support Group is committed to providing support for families and caregivers through a network of area families; raising awareness of Cri Du Chat Syndrome among medical professionals, parents, caregivers, and the general public; raising funds to promote and support ongoing research into the treatment of this disorder; distributing information; and organizing an annual conference and family meeting for affected families and healthcare professionals.