Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by the deletion of the long arm of chromosome 7. A random genetic mutation affects approximately 1 in 10,000 births. It affects males and females equally. Williams syndrome is characterized by a wide range of medical problems with the most significant being cardiovascular disease.
Individuals with Williams syndrome also have developmental delays ranging from mild to severe. Delays are typically global and most children are quite delayed in meeting milestones such as crawling, walking, talking and many children have significant feeding difficulties. Williams syndrome is also associated with a characteristic cognitive profile of mental strengths and weaknesses composed of strengths in verbal short-term memory and language, mild to severe anxiety and Attention Deficit Disorder are also common features of Williams syndrome.
Individuals with Williams syndrome also have a characteristic facial appearance. The characteristic facial features include puffiness around the eyes, a short nose with a broad nasal tip, wide mouth, full cheeks, full lips, and a small chin. Individuals with Williams syndrome are also likely to have a long neck, sloping shoulders, short stature, limited mobility in their joints, and curvature of the spine. Some individuals also have a star-like pattern in the iris of their eyes.
Williams syndrome can be confirmed by a blood test. Williams syndrome cannot be cured and there is no standard course of treatment.
New guides have been recently published for different age groups of children with Williams Syndrome. Three guides reflect needs of elementary, middle and high school students. Each guide is leveled to speak to the age of the student it addresses.
Sections in the elementary level guide include facts about the syndrome, diversity statements, talking differently, and anxiety. The middle school guide adds sections about school and social issues, and the high school guide also addresses medical issues.
All three general guides can be downloaded free. Personalized guides can be downloaded for a $1 donation each. The Williams Syndrome webpage contains information about early intervention practices, some therapy ideas, and other helpful information.
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