Date: May 1- May 30, 2022
May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month.
What is Williams Syndrome?
Williams Syndrome also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome was discovered in 1961 by J.C.P. Williams, a Cardiologist from New Zealand. Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder with a prevalence of in 7,500 to 20,000 caused by the deletion of genetic material from chromosome 7. Williams syndrome symptoms include heart problems, low birth weight, l problems and developmental delays. 75 are diagnosed with mile to moderate intellectual disabilities or a learning disability.
Facts and Statistics
- It is a genetic condition that is present a birth.
- It is a developmental disorder
- Tend to have a mild or moderate intellectual disability.
- It is also known as Beuren Syndrome and Williams-Beuren Syndrome.
- The symptoms were first described by John C.P. Williams in 1961.
- A year later, German Physician, A.J. Beuren described three new incidents of patients with similar facial features.
- It is caused by the spontaneous deletion of 26-28 genes on Chromosome #7
- The deletion is caused by either the sperm or the egg.
- The deletion is present at the time of conception
- The most common symptoms of Williams Syndrome includes unusual facial features and heart defects.
- The diagnosis is typically confirmed after identifying facial features and genetic testing.
- An individual with Williams Syndrome has a 50% chance of passing the disorder on to their children.
- Williams Syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide.
- An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States are affected.
- It occurs in both males and females equally
- It is found in every culture
- Individuals with Williams Syndrome tend to be overly friendly.
- People with Williams Syndrome often have difficulty with visual-spatial tasks
- Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur in approximately 75 percent of children
- By the age of 30, the majority of individuals with Williams Syndrome have pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Physical characteristics include:
Musculoskeletal
Almond shape eyes
Broad forehead
long neck
Longer upper lip
Puffiness around the eyes
sloping shoulders
Small chin
Small upturned nose
Wide mouth
Learning Characteristics
During Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, You can create a fundraising page or team
Download awareness event planning tools
purchase an awareness t-shirt
For more information: Awareness Month | Williams Syndrome Association (williams-syndrome.org)