"Cry of the Cat" Video
CRY OF THE CAT was produced, written and directed by Helen McGrath (a parent of a child with the syndrome). It addresses the lack of literature available to new parents to the syndrome, and guides them in the understanding of how their child may develop as they grow.
Using a positive approach, the video aims to show the range of the syndrome from mild through moderate to severe developmental delay.
Filmed over four years it follows the life of four Sydney Cri Du Chat children, with brief appearances of eleven other children from around Australia. It looks at the prognosis, the impact of that prognosis, early intervention, schooling, therapy, speech, family and support networks and the future. There are interviews with geneticists, educationalists and therapists.
The video is for parents, families and friends, doctors, teachers, therapists and anyone who deals with a Cri Du Chat child.
(5% of profits from the sale of this video after costs are met will be donated to the Cri Di Chat Support Group of Australia Inc.)
Camera Operator Helen McGrath and James Boddam-Whetham.
Edited by Mic Gruchy.
Graphics by Gruchy Digital.
Introduction by Doug Anderson
Thank you to Claudia, Monique, Bradley, Arthur, Cody, Paul, Ranon, Brendan, Georgia, Hanne, Luke, Steven, Mindy, Sasha, Jacinta, Maryanne, Scott and their families.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and co-operation of Cairnsfoot School, Peakhurst Primary and Cammeray Public School. Thanks also to Meridith Wilson - Geneticist at the New Children's Hospital, Westmead.
This is a self-funded project. Some additional funding was provided by the NSW Department of Community Services, Paul Harmon and Cody's parents. Technical expertise and logistic support generously donated by Gruchy Digital.
Copyright 1999 Helen McGrath
Running Time 42 mins.
HOW TO PURCHASE THE VIDEO
To order directly from Helen in PAL or NTSC,
print the Order Form and send with payment to
Helen McGrath in Australia.
Email Helen McGrath regarding the PAL version
Residents of USA and Canada can order the NTSC version
directly from the 5P Minus Society in the USA
Email the Director of the 5P Minus Society to order NTSC version
Testimonial from an Australian Psychologist
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.