It's a rare genetic condition, affecting about 1 in 20,000 people. It is a disorder caused by missing material on chromosone 7. The condition usually arises in a baby because of spontaneous mutation (not inherited).
People with this condition have distinct facial features, which might be characterised by a lay-person as relatively wide- or flat-faced features. Their most severe health problems tend to be heart or blood vessel problems, as well as occasional kidney malfunction.
The condition also usually causes learning disorders, and a range of lesser minor disabilities, affecting any organ of the body. Thre is a tendency towards lower intelligence, short stature, trouble gaining weight as a baby and child, hernias, over-sensitive hearing, dental abnormalities and weakness in the muscles or joints. People with this disorder are frequently very sociable, however, and typically have very expressive language capacity. They often have a strong affinity for music.
Most people with Williams syndrome can live an independent life, although their life expectancy is shorter than average.
People with this condition have distinct facial features, which might be characterised by a lay-person as relatively wide- or flat-faced features. Their most severe health problems tend to be heart or blood vessel problems, as well as occasional kidney malfunction.
The condition also usually causes learning disorders, and a range of lesser minor disabilities, affecting any organ of the body. Thre is a tendency towards lower intelligence, short stature, trouble gaining weight as a baby and child, hernias, over-sensitive hearing, dental abnormalities and weakness in the muscles or joints. People with this disorder are frequently very sociable, however, and typically have very expressive language capacity. They often have a strong affinity for music.
Most people with Williams syndrome can live an independent life, although their life expectancy is shorter than average.
