Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
Definition
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body. This genetic disorder is caused by a missing piece or deletion of genetic material on chromosome four near the end of the short arm. This short arm is also known as the “p” arm. This disability is also known as 4p Syndrome due to this genetic definition. The size of this missing piece varies among affected individuals. Some studies suggest that more severe intellectual and physical abnormalities are a result of a larger deletion. Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome or 4p Syndrome has a few major features. These include: a characteristic facial appearance, delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, hypotonia (low muscle tone) and seizures in some instances. Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is also known to cause skeletal abnormalities, congenital heart defects, urinary track malformations, hearing loss, and/or structural brain abnormalities. Although some individuals with this disability may inherit it from a parent, eighty-five to ninety-five percent of all cases of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome are not inherited. There is no treatment for Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, however there are many ways to manage this disability.
Instructional Strategies
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Always begin by establishing the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Use the student’s strengths to help them thrive in the classroom.
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Individuals with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome tend to be very sociable. Students may use physical contact to communicate because their ability to socialize consistently exceeds their language skills.
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Incorporate concrete objects into a lesson plan. Having a physical object to hold on to that is associated with the topic that is being taught can help the student to concentrate on that topic.
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Encourage playfulness in the classroom! Individuals with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome are reported to be very playful. Integrating educational games with classroom instruction will not only make class more fun but will keep the attention and focus of all the students.
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Patience is key; allow the student adequate time to respond
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Be encouraging and demonstrative. Having high expectations for all students will keep them motivated and excited to learn.
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Involve students with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome in group activities. Doing this will not only help them to learn, but to also exercise their social skills.
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Children with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome are reported to be very easygoing and affectionate. They often enjoy music. Music can also be incorporated into a lesson plan. Using songs or tunes to help memorize important information can be helpful
Useful Websites
U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/wolf-hirschhorn-syndrome#resources
Colorado Department of Education
http://cde.state.co.us/cdesped/sd-db_factsheetwp_wolf-hirschhorn
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7896/wolf-hirschhorn-syndrome
Wolf Hirschhorn
National Organization for Rare Disorders
Research
Cognitive Function and Behavior
Fisch, G. S., Grossfeld, P., Falk, R., Battaglia, A., Youngblom, J., & Simensen, R. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral features of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and other subtelomeric microdeletions. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics,154C(4), 417-426. doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.30279
Prenatal Diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
Zhen, L., Fan, S., Huang, L., Pan, M., Han, J., Yang, X., & Li, D. (2018). Prenatal diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: Ultrasonography and molecular karyotyping results. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology,225, 19-21. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.03.047
Motor Function
Nag, H. E., Bergsaker, D. K., Hunn, B. S., Schmidt, S., & Hoxmark, L. B. (2017). A structured assessment of motor function, behavior, and communication in patients with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome. European Journal of Medical Genetics,60(11), 610-617. doi:10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.08.013