Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. This condition is characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive facial features, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems.
Williams syndrome is caused by a microdeletion of at least 16 genes on chromosome 7q11. 23. The syndrome results in mild to moderate mental retardation or learning disability. The behavioral phenotype for Williams syndrome is characterized by a distinctive cognitive profile and an unusual personality profile.
Introduction. William Syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion in 7q11. 23 (1).
In familial cases, Williams syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Genetic diseases are determined by two genes, one received from the father and one from the mother. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an abnormal gene is necessary for the appearance of the disease.
Autism and Williams syndrome are genetically based neurodevelopmental disorders that present strikingly different social phenotypes. Autism involves fundamental impairments in social reciprocity and communication, whereas people with Williams syndrome are highly sociable and engaging.
Williams-Beuren syndrome is a hereditary, neurodivergent disorder that causes various symptoms, such as distinctive physical characteristics, developmental delays, intellectual difficulties, and heart problems.
The diagnosis of Williams syndrome presents challenges for every individual and his or her family. Williams syndrome is a spectrum disorder. There is a great deal of variability in individuals throughout the spectrum.
Even claims about very low IQ turn out to be exaggerated. Williams syndrome IQ ranges from 48 to 85. True, people with Williams syndrome are often very loquacious and usually have better language than spatial skills, but the profile of the syndrome is unscientifically exaggerated by secondary sources.
Williams syndrome is a rare (affecting 1 in 10,000 people) developmental disorder that can affect many parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Children with Williams syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and an outgoing personality.
Individuals with WS typically demonstrate an overly friendly, affectionate, engaging, and socially disinhibited personality [6, 12].
They may have a unique ability to connect with others and form strong bonds, making them appear very happy and engaging. Additionally, people with Williams syndrome often have a keen interest in music. They may have a talent for it, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness.
Children with Williams syndrome frequently present with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there is little information that stimulant medication is useful in this population.
Patients usually have a normal life expectancy. Some patients may have a reduced life expectancy. This is due to complications related to the heart and kidney. There is no cure for Williams syndrome.
Outlook / Prognosis
Most people with Williams syndrome have a normal life expectancy, but some may have a reduced life expectancy due to complications of the disease (such as cardiovascular problems). Oftentimes, people with Williams syndrome will need additional support as they grow into adults.
One of the characteristics of Williams syndrome is an inappropriate increase in social behavior.
In some ways Williams syndrome is the opposite of autism. For example, people with Williams syndrome love to talk and tell stories, whereas those with autism usually have language delay and little imagination. Many people with Williams syndrome draw disjointed pictures, some with autism draw pictures in perfect detail.
Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. This condition is characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive facial features, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems.
People with WS may have mild to moderate delays in their cognitive development (ability to think and reason) or learning difficulties. They also may have a distinctive facial appearance, and a unique personality that combines over-friendliness and high levels of empathy with anxiety.
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is caused by the deletion of genetic material on chromosome 7. Typical characteristics include distinctive facial features, mild intellectual disability and an overly sociable personality.
The Williams Syndrome Association also has special growth charts for children with Williams syndrome as well as guidelines for administering anesthesia and for health transition to adulthood in their medical resources. Williams syndrome itself does not get worse over time.
Jessica's daughter, Isabelle, has Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder with a number of symptoms. Children with Williams are often physically small and frequently have developmental delays. But also, kids and adults with Williams love people, and they are literally pathologically trusting. They have no social fear.
Anxiety is thought to affect between 60-90% of individuals with Williams syndrome. Mood regulation problems are also very common and often occur with ADHD, anxiety and sensory modulation difficulties.
Although low mood in Williams syndrome is less well researched, there are indications that clinical depression diagnoses may be present in approximately 10% of individuals.
Causes. Williams syndrome is caused by not having a copy of 25 to 27 genes on chromosome number 7. In most cases, the gene changes (mutations) occur on their own, either in the sperm or egg that a baby develops from. However, once someone carries the genetic change, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Williams syndrome is a progressive disorder with multisystem involvement.