A Teenager with "The Cat Cry" Syndrome

Arizona is a teenager with Cri du Chat syndrome, also known as “The Cat Cry” syndrome. When Arizona was born, her mom was told that she was not expected to live past her first birthday. Now 16, Arizona experiences and connects with the world in her own unique way. Her mom hopes that others will take the time to interact with Arizona, meet her where she is, and enter her world rather than expecting her to enter theirs.

When Arizona and I sat together, we communicated mostly without words. We made sounds together, swayed back and forth, clapped, laughed, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. It was a beautiful reminder that meaningful communication does not always require spoken language. At the end of our interview, I told Arizona that it was time for me to leave. After spending our time together communicating nonverbally, she looked at me and said a single word… “Hug!”