9th December, 1999
Dear Helen,
I received the video Cry of the Cat today and have just finished watching it. I work as a Psychologist with the Dept. of Community Services where, for one day per week, I conduct assessments on young children to assess their developmental ability.
Recently I assessed a young girl with Cri Du Chat syndrome. At the time I did not know a great deal about this syndrome. I have since helped this family with some behaviour management issues following simple behaviour management guidelines. The child’s mother suggested she had been told that behavioural problems were common amongst children with Cri Du Chat. I saw this video as a chance to learn more about the syndrome, particularly related to behaviour management.
Whilst I feel the video does not really cover behaviour management issues in great depth (I realise it was not geared to do so), it does suggest a positive outlook for children with Cri Du Chat. I feel this is most valuable, as I have seen the despair and feelings of hopelessness which some parents face when they first learn of such a diagnosis. I see this video as a useful tool for communicating to parents that their child can still potentially live a rewarding and fulfilling life. Thus I would see this video being used by the team I work for to communicate this message to parents we may work with in the future who have children diagnosed with Cri Du Chat.
I also felt that I have gained further insight into this syndrome simply by watching the video and can see it as a training tool for future staff members.
Congratulations, I think this is a well-presented video for parents, carers and therapists.
N.B. I was hoping the video would discuss theories as to the reasons why some of these children cry, i.e. they are in pain, irritated or is it behavioural and if there are measures which have been successful in reducing the frequency or intensity of this cry. I found that this crying was a major source of distress for all present in this child's house.
I would be interested if you could suggest further literature which investigates this.
Yours Sincerely,
Jason Cusack.