Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body.

Mild to Moderate intellectual disability
Unique personality characteristics
Distinctive facial features
Cardiovascular problem

Williams Syndrome is caused by genetic abnormality due to deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome 7.

Believed that several of these genes contribute to the characteristic features of this disorder

ELN Gene is associated with the connective tissue abnormalities and cardiovascular disease
Studies suggest deletion of CLIPZ, GTF2I, GTFZIRD1, and LIMK1 explain characteristics difficulties with visual, spatial tasks, and unique behavioral characteristics
Insufficient supply of Elastin may also be the cause of full checks, harsh voice, hernias, and bladder diverticula.

Other Characteristics:

Short stature
Failure to thrive
Low Muscle Tone
Tend to be very social, friendly, and endearing
Tend to be social but non-verbally communicative from infancy
Will utilize eye contact and gestures to communicate

How often does it occur?

It affects 1 in 10,000 people
Occurs in both male and female in every culture

Definition

Instructional Strategies

A person with Williams syndrome may have a short attention span. We as educators can present flexibility requirements for time, frequent breaks, minimal distractions, small groups, minimize unexpected changes in schedule.

Strength in learning songs
Around the age of 3 to 5 Language becomes, and continues to be a source of strength
Heighten sensitivity to sound

Resources and Teacher Support

https://williams-syndrome.org

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/williams-syndrome

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williams_syndrome

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/williams-syndrome/

https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/williams-syndrome

https://www.webmd.com/children/williams-syndrome#1

Extra Advice

It is important for opportunity for social interaction. People with Williams Syndrome mature beyond the structure of school and family activities; they may experience intense isolation that can lead to depression. They are extremely sociable and experience the normal need to connect with others. They do not process subtle social cues and this makes it difficult to form lasting relationships.