Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group

Socialisation and Daily Living Skills

With few exceptions, CDCS children are very friendly and outgoing. They will try and make friends with all ages, including their peers and often demonstrate wonderful sensitivity and concern for others. Because of their nature, CDCS children can integrate very successfully into many social activities such as dance classes, gym clubs, Brownies, Cubs, Boys and Girls Brigade etc. Your child’s school may also be able to inform you about local social clubs and sports clubs which have a special needs integration scheme. Within your area there may also be afterschool clubs and play schemes which welcome participation from children with learning disabilities. It is vital for their social development that they are allowed to integrate and enjoy the company of ‘typically developing children’. Don’t feel that you should isolate them from the outside world.

While socialisation skills are highly developed in CDCS children, community skills are under developed. These skills include safety awareness and understanding when something or someone may be dangerous. The impulsive nature of the CDCS child makes it very difficult for them to hold back when they encounter potential danger. For example, when crossing a road they rarely wait for traffic to stop, appearing unable to appreciate the consequences of stepping out into a busy road full of traffic. There is also minimal understanding of the concept of “hot” and many children have received burns by placing their hands in boiling water, or touching hot irons or fires. Because of this lack of awareness, it is important that CDCS children are supervised when out walking along a street, on public transport, helping with cooking, washing up etc. in the home.