What is Williams syndrome caused by?
Williams syndrome is caused by a partial deletion of up to 28 genes on chromosome 7. This means that a section of genetic material on chromosome 7 is missing. It is believed that some of these genes are involved in the production of elastin.
What is Williams disorder?
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.
Can Williams syndrome be cured?
People with WS require regular cardiovascular monitoring for potential medical problems, such as symptomatic narrowing of the blood vessels, high blood pressure, and heart failure. There is no cure for Williams syndrome, nor is there a standard course of treatment.
Are you born with Williams syndrome?
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges.
Is Williams syndrome a form of autism?
Williams Syndrome (WS) is not an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although there is some overlap between the two conditions. WS and ASD have opposite characteristics in the social domain, but share some common behavioral and cognitive deficiencies.
Do I have Williams syndrome?
Newborns with Williams syndrome have characteristic “elfin-like” facial features including an unusually small head (microcephaly), full cheeks, an abnormally broad forehead, puffiness around the eyes and lips, a depressed nasal bridge, broad nose, and/or an unusually wide and prominent open mouth.
Is Williams syndrome life threatening?
Challenges faced by a person with WS include difficulty understanding spatial relations, abstract reasoning, and numbers, and some potentially life-threatening complications, such as Cardiovascular problems and a high level of calcium in the blood.
What does someone with Williams syndrome look like?
What is the difference between Down syndrome and Williams syndrome?
Williams syndrome and Down syndrome are both chromosomal disorders affecting people from birth. However, Williams syndrome is caused by a missing chromosome, while Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome.
What is the difference between Williams syndrome and autism?
Abstract. 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.
Can Williams syndrome be detected before birth?
Williams syndrome is usually diagnosed before a child is 4 years old. Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your family medical history. Then the doctor will look for facial features like an upturned nose, wide forehead, and small teeth. An electrocardiogram (EKG) or ultrasound can check for heart problems.
What is the life expectancy of someone with Williams syndrome?
Beuren Syndrome
What are the causes of Williams syndrome?
Synonyms of Williams Syndrome
What do famous people have had Williams syndrome?
Alfred Hitchcock,1899-1980,English/American film director
How many people have Williams syndrome?
how many people are affected by williams syndrome? The prevalence of Williams syndrome is estimated to be 1 in every 7,500 to 10,000 people. In the United States, approximately twenty to thirty thousand adults are affected by this condition.