Cheong Chel Sie

Chel Sie has a rare disorder – Chromosome 18P deletion – which is a chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing or deleted copy of genetic material on the chromosome 18. The severity of the condition varies and is dependent on the size and location of the deletion as well as the genes involved. In Chel Sie’s case, it is considered severe with significant developmental delay affecting her both physically and mentally. Although Chel Sie is 18, her physical appearance is that of a 10-year-old, and her mental development is at a pre-school level. She is also diagnosed with autism and her condition has rendered her non-verbal. Given her age, she has been discharged from her special needs school, and her family has been looking for meaningful engagements for her, such as art making.