Williams Syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth, and can affect anyone. Characteristics include: cardiovascular disease, developmental delay and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with exceptional verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music.
People with WS tend to be social, friendly and endearing. Challenges include: life threatening cardiovascular problems, problems with spatial relations, numbers, and abstract reasoning.
Common features include:
- Characteristic facial appearance including a small upturned nose, long upper lip, wide mouth, full lips, small chin and puffiness around the eyes.
- Heart and blood vessel problems.
- Slow-weight gain – adult stature is slightly smaller than average.
- Low muscle tone and joint laxity, stiff joints in adults.
- Excessively social personality – expressive language skills, and very polite.
- Mild to severe learning disabilities and cognitive challenges.
Refer 3.5 Intellectual Disabilities, for programming and inclusion tips
Further information
Williams Syndrome Association –www.williams-syndrome.org