HealthPop
By

Michelle Castillo /

CBS News/ September 24, 2012, 3:37 PM

Girl diagnosed with autism and DiGeorge syndrome memorizes entire Coppelia ballet

(CBS News) It's hard to remember an entire dance routine, but one special girl has committed the entire lead ballet role in Coppelia to memory.

Clara Bergs's parents wrote that they thought their daughter was just dancing ballet moves around the house, until they realized she had memorized an entire routine from the Coppelia ballet.

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The 10-year-old is diagnosed with both autism and DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic, DiGeorge syndrome is a disorder caused by a chromosome 22 defect that leads to poor development of different body systems. The syndrome is normally associated with heart defects, poor immune system function, a cleft palate, complications related to low levels of calcium in the blood and behavioral disorders. According to a National Institute of Health study, prevalence is estimated at 14.1 affected patients per 100,000 live births.

About 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, which are rooted in problems with behavior, communication and socialization. The rate jumps to 1 in 54 when it comes to boys.

Bergs was diagnosed with the conditions following her birth on June 24, 2002 according to her official Facebook page Clara's Happy Thumbs. She spent her first 16 months in the hospital, and thanks to multiple therapies, supplements and diets she started walking at the age of 4, talking at the age of 6 and has stayed relatively healthy.

For more videos starring Bergs, visit her YouTube channel.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
5 Comments Add a Comment
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littlevoice45 says:
What a wonderful little girl! It is great to see that nothing has stopped her dancing spirit from shining through. Keep on Dancing Clara !!
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Grunkle1946 says:
Such a precious child... my great-niece is autistic and getting better every day! Not that she not perfect already (and I am NOT prejudiced!).
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theriau says:
she is so talented, truly an inspiration
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theriau says:
She is absolutely amazing, truly an inspiration
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kat-wonders says:
Beautiful little girl.
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