The neuropsychological profile of cri du chat syndrome without significant learning disability

The clinical picture typically associated with cri du chat syndrome is one of profound intellectual impairment, severe motor delay and increased morbidity. In contrast to this picture, the present case report describes the cognitive and behavioural profile of a young female with cri du chat syndrome who displays no evidence of severe learning disability. Cognitive performance indicated good verbal skills with specific strengths on those tasks that require the ability to store and retrieve verbal information in comparison to poor non-verbal, spatial skills and weaknesses on those tasks that require multi-step manipulation of spatial stimuli and the ability to form whole percepts from fragmentary parts. The finding underlies the importance of assessing the wide range of cognitive potential of individuals with cri du chat syndrome.