Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group

Language and Communication

CDCS children are particularly slow to develop language abilities and speech delay is one of the main characteristics of the syndrome. However, previous and current findings confirm that CDCS children do have far better developed comprehension skills compared to their expressive skills (speech). What is especially encouraging about our findings is that a lack of speech does not seem to impede communication. Using data from children in the UK and in the US over two-thirds of children were able to communicate their needs using non-verbal methods (sign language, symbol cards). The consistency of these findings should encourage parents, teachers and professionals to facilitate effective communication with CDCS children. You should be optimistic about your child’s capacity to understand more complex verbal commands than their speech would suggest. It should be possible for your child to see a Speech Therapist who could develop programmes that focus upon extending even further their relatively good comprehension and vocabulary skills. Early stimulation and introduction to sign language (i.e. Makaton) might also prove to be a very effective tool in developing communication skills in your child.

Makaton is a very simple and effective sign language technique and was devised for children and adults with a variety of communication and learning disabilities. Makaton is used extensively throughout the UK and has been adapted for use in over 40 other countries. It incorporates both basic sign and speech and can be used by parents as well as children. As parents you will need to go on a course and to register you will need to contact either your Health Visitor or Speech and Language Therapist. Makaton have now also produced a range of resources for parents and teachers and they can be contacted on their website at: www.makaton.org