Williams Syndrome

[Type the document subtitle]

Williams Syndrome
Symptoms
Delayed speech* Development delay* Language and speech impairment* Mental retardation* Unusual facial features* Heart defects*Low muscle tone* Low birth weight* Failure to gain weight appropriately* Hypersensitivity to loud noises* Poor muscle tone* Teaching Strategies *Incorporate music in lesson. * Provide brief daily practice to improve handwriting rate and legibility. * Teach keyboarding and word processing skills to the student at a young age.

What is Williams Syndrome?

Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder that disrupts the development of many areas of the body. It can affect growth, physical appearance, and cognitive development. The condition varies on how severe each part of the body will be directly affected, ranging from mild to moderate symptoms. Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome 7, including the gene elastin. This syndrome causes problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities

CAUSES:
Williams syndrome is typically not inherited. It is mainly caused due to a brake in the DNA molecule that makes up a chromosome . The brake usually occurs when the sperm or the egg is developing. If someone with Williams syndrome had children, there is a 50% chance that their child would inherited the syndrome. It is rare that people with Williams have children of their own.

*Beware of the students IEP. *Provide a safe and positive learning environment. *Allow interaction with other students (group work). Resources
"Blogs." Williams Syndrome Association . N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2013. "Williams Syndrome." - Genetics Home Reference . N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2013. Research in Developmental Disabilities . Volume 34, Issue 10, October 2013, Pages 3421 3432. Web. 01 Nov. 2013. "Williams Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, Genes, Diseases, Health Problems - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.

 Williams Syndrome

Beneficial Services
o o o o o Speech therapy Physical therapy Psychological therapy Special instructions Support groups

Family Resources:
o The Williams Syndrome Association (WSA). This is a resource provided to families and individuals with the syndrome. This large organization provides resources and the latest medical information to help improve your childs life. Williams Syndrome Association 570 Kirts Boulevard Suite 223 Troy Michigan 48084 1-800-806-1871 There is a face book page for supporters of the WSA. The page encourages open discussions and invites anyone to share your opinion on our topics and issues.

Statistics
o Williams syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 7,500 to 20,000 people. Occurs equally in both male and females. Has been diagnosed in all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is no cure for Williams syndrome. Children with this syndrome are social and friendly! Most cases of Williams Syndrome are not inherited. o

o o o o

Testing
o The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood test. A new diagnostic test for Williams syndrome is called micro-array analysis. This test identifies the elastin deletion.

Current Laws
o Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) States that all children shall receive a free and appropriate public education.

Page 2