About Williams Syndrome
Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects 1 baby in every 10,000 births. It was first identified by Dr. J.C.P. Williams in New Zealand in 1961.
For most individuals with WS, the syndrome is very characteristic of heart or blood vessel problems, and some children have open heart surgery before their first birthday. Usually they deal with either a narrowing in the aorta or in the pulmonary arteries. Either can range from mild to severe, requiring surgery to correct it.
As a child grows, there is an increased risk for the development of blood vessel narrowing or high blood pressure, so it’s necessary for a cardiologist to periodically monitor the cardiac status of a child or adult whether or not they’ve had heart or blood vessel problems.
Beside the cardiac challenges, Williams syndrome affects different people in different ways. These individuals deal with developmental delays and mental disabilities. Some are non-verbal, but most talk very intelligently and are usually gifted in music.
Unfortunately, most people can’t see past their intelligence to their learning disabilities.
Common characteristics of WS include:
- Low birth weight
- Slow weight gain
- Irritability during infancy
- Feeding problems
- Similar facial features
- Overly friendly personality
- Sensitive hearing
- Dental abnormalities
- Heart and blood vessel problems, which are all too common in children with Williams syndrome.
Michelle age 7
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