This month is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month. We have produced an awareness image above which we hope you will like and share.

The Williams Syndrome Association (WSA) have produced a very useful outline of the condition which we reproduce below. Please check out their web site here

Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is
characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays,
and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social
personalities and an affinity for music.

Unlike disorders that can make connecting with your child difficult, children with WS tend to be
social, friendly and endearing. Parents often say the joy and perspective a child with WS brings
into their lives had been unimaginable.

But there are major struggles as well. Many babies have life‐threatening cardiovascular
problems. Children with WS need costly and ongoing medical care, and early interventions
(such as speech or occupational therapy) that may not be covered by insurance or state
funding. As they grow, they struggle with things like spatial relations, numbers and abstract
reasoning, which can make daily tasks a challenge. And as adults, most people with WS need
supportive housing to live to their fullest potential. Many adults with WS contribute to their
communities as volunteers or paid employees, for example working at senior homes and
libraries or as store greeters or veterinary aides.

Just as important are opportunities for social interaction. As people with WS mature – beyond
the structure of school and family activities – they often experience intense isolation which can
lead to depression. They are extremely sociable and experience the normal need to connect
with others; however people with Williams syndrome often don’t process nuanced social cues
and this makes it difficult to form lasting relationships.

Common features of Williams syndrome

Characteristic facial appearance
Most young children with Williams syndrome are described as having similar facial features.
Although they retain family resemblance, they also look like each other due to several similar
facial characteristics.
Heart and blood vessel problems
Seventy‐five percent of individuals with Williams syndrome have mild to severe cardiovascular
disease. Typically, there is narrowing in the aorta or pulmonary vessels called stenosis. Many
individuals with stenosis will require cardiovascular procedures during their lifetime.

Overly friendly (excessively social) personality
Individuals with Williams syndrome have a very endearing personality. They have a unique
strength in their expressive language skills, and are extremely polite. They are typically unafraid
of strangers and show a greater interest in contact with adults than with their peers.

Developmental delay, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder
Most people with Williams syndrome have mild to severe learning disabilities and cognitive
challenges. Young children with Williams syndrome often experience developmental delays.
Milestones such as walking, talking and toilet training are often achieved somewhat later than
is considered normal. Distractibility is a common problem in mid‐childhood.

Older children and adults with Williams syndrome often demonstrate intellectual “strengths
and weaknesses.” There are some intellectual areas (such as speech, long term memory, and
social skills) in which performance is quite strong, while other intellectual areas (such as fine
motor and spatial relations) show significant weakness.

Affinity or passion for music
A large percentage of individuals with Williams syndrome show a distinct love for, and emotional
connection to music. In some cases, there is a musicality and eventual talent for music that is far
greater than would be expected based on general functioning levels. When children are young music
therapy can be very effective to help overcome developmental delays.

Other characteristics common to Williams syndrome are:
Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels)
Low birth‐weight / slow weight gain
Feeding problems
Dental abnormalities
Kidney abnormalities
Hernias
Hyperacusis (sensitive hearing)
Musculoskeletal problems