Cri du Chat Syndrome Awareness Week and Striped Socks Campaign
Author: 5p- Society
Published: 30 Apr 2017 - Updated: 15 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Awareness, Appreciation
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This information details Cri du Chat Syndrome Awareness Week, held during the first full week of May, when the 5p- Society of North America and partner organizations in more than 70 countries work to raise understanding of the condition, a permanent deletion on the p arm of the fifth chromosome that affects roughly 50 to 60 newborns in the United States each year. It explains how the syndrome is recognized at birth by a high-pitched, cat-like cry linked to an underdeveloped larynx and weak breath support, and it lays out the awareness efforts families can take part in, from the striped socks campaign and the virtual 5k for 5p- to photos with the mascot C5 shared across social media. For parents, caregivers, and people connected to the disability community, the value here is practical: it points to a network of support, shared knowledge, and a forthcoming caregivers guide covering diagnosis, therapies, educational goals, and adult living, drawing directly on the 5p- Society and its leaders to give the material real credibility.*
At a Glance
- 1 - Awareness week falls during the first full week of May. Supporters wear striped socks, one long and one short, especially on May 5th.
- 2 - The syndrome is named for a high-pitched, cat-like cry present at birth. This sound is caused by an underdeveloped larynx and weak breath support.
- 3 - The 5p- Society coordinates the campaign with support organizations in over 70 countries. Families pose worldwide with the mascot C5, named for chromosome 5.
- 4 - Roughly 50 to 60 children are born with 5p- Syndrome each year in the United States. Severity ranges across a spectrum, from mild and undiagnosed to needing full-time care.
Topic Definition
- Cri du Chat Syndrome
Cri du Chat Syndrome, also called 5p- Syndrome, is a genetic condition that results from a permanent deletion on the short (p) arm of the fifth chromosome. Its name comes from the French for cry of the cat, a reference to the distinctive high-pitched cry many affected infants make at birth due to an underdeveloped larynx and weak breath support. Alongside this cry, the condition is often marked by low birth weight, poor muscle tone, a smaller than average head size, and a range of possible medical complications. Because it presents as a spectrum, individuals can be affected very differently: some experience mild effects that go unnoticed for a time, while others need lifelong, around-the-clock care and support from a team of family members, therapists, and medical and educational professionals working together to help each person reach their fullest potential.
Overview
During the first full week of May, the 5p- Society of North America, along with support organizations from over 70 countries, are bringing awareness of Cri du Chat Syndrome, also known as 5p- Syndrome, a permanent deletion on the "p" arm of the 5th chromosome.
Each year in the United States, approximately 50-60 children are born with 5p- Syndrome. It is characterized at birth by a high-pitched, "cat-like cry" caused by an underdeveloped larynx and weak breath support. Other characteristics include low birth weight, poor muscle tone, microcephaly and potential medical complications. The severity of the disorder varies among individuals and can be considered a spectrum disorder. Symptoms go from mild and unnoticed, which causes a delay in diagnosis, to severe where the individual requires to be cared for 24/7 and will require ongoing support from a team of parents, therapists, medical professionals, educational professionals and extended family members to help the individual achieve his or her maximum potential.
The 5p- Society's mission is to maximize the quality of life of an individuals with 5p- and their families. One way to improve the lives of individuals with the syndrome is by creating a Caregivers Guide with current information on diagnosis, therapies, educational goals, transition and adult living. Information for the guide is currently being collected with the hopes of having it completed by the end of 2017. It is also committed to connecting parents to network, vent and share information through their Social Media platforms.
"Families who have felt alone in their journey of raising a child with Cri du Chat Syndrome can now find immediate resources, support and information." Laura Castillo, Executive Director, 5p- Society. "This was not available to me 29 years ago when my daughter Katie was born."
"Learning about each other's child, their strengths and weaknesses has become extremely educational and has created new and unique conversations." "We'd love to see more research done on the various genes affected on the 5th chromosome and the correlation with the characteristics of the syndrome."
"Individuals with Cri du Chat Syndrome are Super Heroes and strive to be the best that they can be despite their limitations" Jennifer Wong, President, 5p- Society. "Awareness of self is also an important aspect of having a child with a disability. If someone is able to have a basic understanding of their self, and diagnosis, then they are able to understand that their struggles or inability to do something is not a shortcoming of them, but a result of their diagnosis. Therefore creating greater confidence in one self."
In an ongoing effort to raise awareness, members and supporters are encouraged to participate in events throughout the week.
- Stripy Sock Campaign: Wear striped socks, one long, one short, representing the whole and deleted fifth chromosomes, especially on May 5th. #stripysocks
- Virtual 5k for 5p-, to raise awareness and money for programs that benefit the Cri du Chat Syndrome community. A Virtual Walk can be anything you want it to be, a walk, a run, a picnic, or any type of event. Over 20 "Teams" have been created all over the world. #5pminus5k
- Where in the World is C5? In an effort to encourage worldwide participation, we are asking families to pose for a picture with C5, the mascot of International Cri du Chat Awareness Week (named C5 for Chromosome 5) and share their picture on social media using the #SeeC5 and #criduchatawareness. Looking forward to seeing pictures from around the world and maybe even with a celebrity or two!
- Join us for a 5k Walk on May 7 - Southern California - Lakewood - (1:30 PM) Katie Castillo's Cheetahs 5k Walk
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)
Is Cri du Chat Syndrome inherited from a parent
In most cases the chromosome deletion happens spontaneously and is not inherited, though a small number of cases relate to a parent who carries a balanced rearrangement of chromosomes
How is Cri du Chat Syndrome diagnosed
Diagnosis is typically made through genetic testing such as a karyotype or chromosomal microarray, often prompted by the characteristic cry and physical features noticed at birth
Can a person with 5p- Syndrome learn to talk
Many individuals develop some communication skills and speech therapy can help, while others rely on sign language, picture systems or assistive devices to communicate
What is the life expectancy for someone with Cri du Chat Syndrome
Most individuals have a normal or near normal life span, particularly when serious medical complications are managed with appropriate care and early intervention
Why are striped socks used as a symbol
Wearing one long and one short striped sock represents the whole fifth chromosome and the deleted portion, offering a simple visual way to spark conversation and awareness
How can I take part in the virtual 5k for 5p-
You can join or form a team and complete any activity you choose such as a walk, run or picnic, then share it online to raise awareness and funds for the community
What kind of therapies help children with 5p- Syndrome
Common supports include physical, occupational and speech therapy along with educational programs tailored to each child to build motor skills, communication and independence
Where can families find support for Cri du Chat Syndrome
The 5p- Society connects families through social media and shared resources so they can network, share information and access current guidance on care and daily living
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: What stands out about this campaign is how it turns a rare and often isolating diagnosis into a shared, visible cause - the mismatched striped socks, one long and one short, stand in for the whole and deleted portions of the fifth chromosome and give supporters worldwide a simple way to start conversations. Because the syndrome presents as a spectrum, ranging from mild cases that can delay diagnosis to severe cases requiring full-time care from parents, therapists, and medical and educational teams, the emphasis on connection matters a great deal for families who may otherwise feel alone. The society's leaders also call for more research into the specific genes affected on chromosome 5 and how they correlate with the traits of the syndrome, a reminder that awareness weeks like this one serve not only to comfort and connect families but to push the science and support systems forward for the individuals living with 5p- Syndrome and those who care for them.*
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.