HWN Suggests

Williams Syndrome: The people who are too friendly

People with WS, often dubbed the 'opposite of autism', have an innate desire to hug and befriend total strangers. They are extremely affectionate, empathetic, talkative and gregarious. They treat everyone they meet as their new best friend, yet there is a downside to being so friendly. Individuals often struggle to retain close friendships and are prone to isolation and loneliness. People with WS are also sometimes too open and trusting towards strangers, not realising when they are in danger, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and bullying.

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Articles of Interest

Understanding Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of 25-27 genes on the 7th chromosome. This set of genes comprises the “Williams syndrome critical region,” which is the part of the chromosome formally called 7q11.23. This name tells geneticists exactly where this critical region is located.

William's Syndrome

If part of grieving is healing through acceptance, than perhaps I’m there. I realized the other day that I have never officially posted a whole article about Williams Syndrome or had a label on my blog for it until recently. Some people, I have become aware of, come to my blog to read about Summit (or Bear as I call him in some posts) and William’s Syndrome and how I’m dealing with life as it is now. I have posted about my struggle with this in the past, but never really have organized my blog to accommodate new readers to my story.

Williams Syndrome (Williams-Beuren Syndrome)

The full-blown form of the syndrome includes supravalvular aortic stenosis, multiple peripheral pulmonary arterial stenoses, elfin face, mental and statural deficiency, characteristic dental malformation, and infantile hypercalcemia.

Williams Syndrome: "It's Like Music In Your Heart"

When he calls someone his dear or his friend, he is sincere. When he’s happy, he’s truly happy. It’s even been the subject of scientific study. Researchers funded by the Williams Syndrome Association wanted to better understand what makes people with Williams syndrome happy, and whether there was something that triggers it that could be used to help people with depression. Nathan participated in that research.

Williams Syndrome: Looking Behind the Smile

When I was asked to write about Williams syndrome and how working with someone with it has changed my life, my first thought was that I cannot remember what my life was like before I met Ben, and all the other amazing young people with WS who have come into my life over the past four years.

Resources

Understanding Williams Syndrome

I am a high school human anatomy and physiology teacher by trade and I double as a mother of a little girl with Williams Syndrome. When my daughter was diagnosed, I was thankful that I understood how the body worked so I could navigate through the condition and understand what the doctors had to say. This is my way of sharing my knowledge so other parents can have that same power.

Wiliams Syndrome Austarlia

Williams Syndrome Australia is a non-profit organization that strives to enrich the lives of individuals and families affected by Williams syndrome and similar conditions through support, research and education.

Williams Syndrome Association

Providing research, programming & support for families & caregivers affected by Williams syndrome.

Williams Syndrome Foundation UK

The Foundation supports people with WS & those who love, care for and educate them.

GeneReviews

Williams syndrome (WS) is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability (usually mild), a specific cognitive profile, unique personality characteristics, cardiovascular disease (supravalvar aortic stenosis, peripheral pulmonary stenosis, hypertension), connective tissue abnormalities, growth deficiency, endocrine abnormalities (early puberty, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hypothyroidism), and distinctive facies.