Ben

Hi... our son Ben is 8 years old and he has Cri-du-chat.  He was diagnosed when he was 5 years old. He is such a joy in our lives and everyone who meets him. He is such a cuddly little boy and he puts a smile on everyone's face when he walks into a room. 

He had a lot of problems when he was born. The doctors didn't think he was going to make it and they had no idea what was wrong with him. All they were treating him for was an infection. He stayed in Yale New Haven Hospital for a week in NICU when he was born. When he was released he had numerous problems but he overcame them...he is such a fighter.  At about 4 months old, he was getting therapy three times a week. He got physical and occupational therapy. They came to the house and he received that until he was 3 years old.

When he was about 2 years old he began to walk with a walker for support. He got around no matter how he did it.  He was not able to eat regular foods without us cutting them up into tiny little pieces. We had to watch him because he would choke since he was not able to chew very good. To this day we have to remind him to chew good. There are still certain foods that Ben is not able to have because of CDC. 

When he was first diagnosed we were told he would not be able to walk, talk, write, read, basically do anything that a "normal" child would do.  THEY WERE WRONG. Ben is doing great since he went to school early. He started school at age 3. He had physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech.  Today, Ben is in 2nd grade and he writes, reads, walks, talks, runs. The only thing is ... he is not potty trained and we are working on that daily.  He loves the computer!  He is such a smart little guy that he amazes his father and I everyday.  He has come a long way and it is only going to get better.

Thank you for letting us share with you about our son Benjamin.   Pictures will come soon. :) 

Thank you again!
Julie and Jim