Impact of Physiotherapy Management on Dysphagia and Developmental Delay in a Child with Cri du Chat Syndrome: A Case Report

A bstract This study evaluates the impact of an integrated physiotherapy program on a 9-month-old male with Cri du Chat syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by hypotonia, microcephaly, malnutrition, and dysphagia. To improve his health and well-being, the patient underwent a 6-week intervention combining oral stimulation and gross motor training, including Swiss ball exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. The results demonstrated significant progress in both developmental delay and nutritional safety: the Dysphagia Severity Scale score improved from level 5 to 7, whereas the Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart score increased from 5 to 7. By fostering neuroplasticity and functional independence, such programs provide a pathway toward improved quality of life and long-term health equity for children with rare genetic disorders.