Some people with Williams syndrome may have a reduced life expectancy due to complications of the disease (such as cardiovascular involvement).
No studies specifically exist on life expectancy
, although individuals have been reported to live into their 60s.
Why is there no cure for Williams syndrome?
There is no specific cure for Williams syndrome, so
care is focused on treating specific symptoms or cardiovascular problems
. Children with Williams syndrome who have a heart defect may need heart catheterization or surgery to repair the problem, including: ballooning or stenting of blood vessels.
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 people with Williams syndrome normal?
Williams syndrome is a rare disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers and infants of any race may be affected. The prevalence of this disorder is
approximately one in 10,000-20,000 births
in the United States.
How do you inherit Williams syndrome?
Williams syndrome is usually caused by a random genetic mutation, or error, in chromosome 7. This means that most people with Williams syndrome
have not inherited the condition from a parent
. People with Williams syndrome have a 50% chance of passing the condition on to each of their offspring.
Is Williams syndrome similar to Down 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.
Is Williams syndrome a disability?
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.
Is Williams syndrome a form of autism?
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.
What is an elfin face?
Elfin (Elven) facies is a
form of facies where the patient presents with facial characteristics bearing some similarities
to those traditionally associated with elves. It is characterized by prominent forehead, widely spaced eyes, upturned nose, underdeveloped mandible, dental hypoplasia, and patulous lips.
How is Williams syndrome prevented?
There is no known way to prevent Williams syndrome
. People with a family history of the condition can choose to undergo genetic counseling before conceiving a child. Talk to your doctor about whether this is right for you. Ask what your chances are of having a child with the condition.
How do they test for Williams syndrome?
A
through investigation of the child’s blood vessels
, often with an echocardiogram (similar to the ultrasound used to look at a baby during pregnancy) and an EKG. A DNA test to check for the missing genes because Williams syndrome is caused by 26-28 missing genes in a small region on one of the child’s chromosomes.
Can people with Williams syndrome work?
Most adults with Williams syndrome thrive
on opportunities to “give back”
and make a difference in their communities. Meaningful employment and/or volunteer opportunities are a natural way to give back.
Why does Williams syndrome make you friendly?
Scientists realized it was related to
the levels of oxytocin
. They knew that oxytocin is involved in social/intimacy behaviors, like mother-child bonding or romantic encounters. And they found that people with Williams syndrome have a lot more oxytocin than everybody else, and that it fluctuates wildly in the brain.
How is autism different from Down syndrome?
No, Down syndrome and autism are entirely different
. And just like anyone else the chances of developing autism are the same. It is possible for a person to have Down syndrome and be Autistic. There are resources available for people who have this dual-diagnosis available at Down Syndrome-Autism Connection.
Can people with Williams syndrome walk?
Some people with
WS will have a normal lifespan
, but medical challenges may mean that life expectancy is shorter than normal for some. Around 3 in 4 people with WS will have some degree of intellectual disability, and most will need full-time care. Some people can do regular, paid work.
When do children with Williams syndrome start talking?
Despite later strengths in expressive language, during the infant and toddler years, individuals with WS present with very clear delays in language development. The onset of the first words is delayed in infants with WS and tends to occur
between 18 and 24 months of age
(Masataka, 2001).
