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Williams Syndrome

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a rare disorder caused by missing genes. It can cause developmental and medical problems.

Mental and behavioral symptoms of someone with Williams syndrome might include:

• being very friendly and trusting of strangers
• fear of loud sounds or physical contact
• limited intellect
• problems drawing or writing
• problems paying attention
• worrying too much

Medical problems of someone with Williams syndrome might include:

• narrowing of the blood vessels leaving the heart, which can cause high blood pressure and heart failure
• high calcium levels in the blood, which may cause seizures and rigid muscles
• limited movement of the joints
• short height

Young children with Williams syndrome have distinctive facial features, including:

• a broad forehead
• a short nose with a broad tip
• full cheeks
• a wide mouth with full lips
• small, widely spaced teeth

There is neither a cure for Williams syndrome nor a standard course of treatment. Treatment is given for symptoms as needed. Most people with Williams syndrome need to live with a caregiver.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   NINDS Williams Syndrome Information Page - This on-line publication discusses the definition, causes, prognosis, and treatment options available for Williams syndrome.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/williams/williams.htm

2.   Williams Syndrome - This publication explains what Williams syndrome is, what the symptoms are, how it is diagnosed, and what the long-term prognosis is.

   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001116.htm

3. Frequently Asked Questions: Williams Syndrome (Copyright © Williams Syndrome Association) - This on-line publication lists frequently asked questions and answers on Williams syndrome. It discusses issues that relate to education and medical problems associated to Williams syndrome.

   http://www.williams-syndrome.org/forparents/faq.html

4. Williams Syndrome (Copyright © NORD) - This on-line publication contains information on the symptoms and diagnosis of Williams Syndrome. It also includes a list of organizations that can provide additional information.

   http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Williams%20Syndrome...

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
3.   The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities , ACF, HHS
4. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
5. Arc of the United States
6. National Birth Defects Center
7. National Organization for Rare Disorders
8. Williams Syndrome Association, Inc.
9. Williams Syndrome Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.