A survey of the prevalence of stereotypy, self-injury and aggression in children and young adults with Cri du Chat syndrome

Background The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of stereotypy, self‐injurious behaviour (SIB), and aggression in children and adults with Cri du Chat syndrome (CCS), and to investigate the relationship between SIB, aggressive behaviour and stereotypy in these individuals. Methods Sixty‐six families of children and adults diagnosed with CCS completed the Behaviour Problems Inventory. Additional information relating to gender, chronological age, type of school/post‐school occupation and medication was also included in the survey. Results Stereotyped behaviour was reported for 82% of subjects, more than half the sample displaying it on a daily basis. The occurrence percentage of 15 topographies of SIB suggested that head banging, hitting the head against body parts, self‐biting and rumination are the most frequently occurring behaviours in CCS. Aggressive behaviour was reported for 88%, with a statistically significant negative correlation between age and the number of aggressive behaviours reported. Conclusions The present findings suggest that specific types of stereotypy and SIB are observed frequently in CCS.