What is Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare, congenital disorder that comes with many physical and developmental problems.  Scientists have learned that most people with WS are missing some genetic material (Elastin Gene) on chromosome 7.  A blood test (called the FISH technique) can tell whether the Elastin Gene is missing. About 1 in 20,000 children are born with Williams syndrome.

To learn more about genetics and to better understand how genes cause syndromes, see YourChild:  Genetic Syndromes.

People with WS tend to have an impulsive and outgoing personality, lack of coordination, slight muscle weakness, heart defects, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels), low birth weight, slow weight gain, feeding problems, irritability during infancy, dental and kidney abnormalities, hyperacusia (sensitive hearing), and musculoskeletal problems.

Where can I find more information?

• YourChild: Genetic Syndromes
• YourChild: Chronic Conditions
• YourChild: Developmental Delay
• YourChild: Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• YourChild: ADHD
• YourChild: Feeding your Baby and Toddler
• YourChild: Feeding your Child and Teen
• Williams Syndrome Information Page from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Health Care Supervision of Children with Williams Syndrome is a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This is good information to share with your pediatrician.
• Information about medical genetics and genetic testing for WS—this is fairly academic information. You can register for free to get the full review.
  

Where can I find support?

• The Williams Syndrome Association
• The Williams Syndrome Foundation
• Williams Syndrome message group
• Williams Syndrome Email Listserve: Send a message to majordomo@williams-syndrome.org. In the body of the message, use the following one-line command to subscribe: ”SUBSCRIBE WILLIAMSSYNDROME ‘your e-mail address’”