WILLIAMS SYNDROME

WHAT IS IT?

• WS is a condition that affects many parts of your body
• Your heart, arteries, kidneys, muscles, and your senses all are affected
• When you have WS, you are missing a chunk of genetic material
• The missing pieces are from Chromosome 7
• You can have over 25 different missing genes with WS

HOW IS WS PASSED?

• Williams Syndrome is usually passed down randomly
• Most families have no history of the syndrome
• There is a fifty fifty chance of passing it onto your child if inflicted
• Again, the syndrome affects Chromosome 7
• A section of genetic material is delected, and removes certain genes.

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

• Williams Syndrome affects everyone
• Men and women have equal chances of having WS
• Affects between every one and 7500-20000 people
• 75% of people with WS live in a group home/with caregivers
• Many people with this disease do not live long due to complications

SYMPTOMS OF WS

• Prominent facial features
• Heart and blood vessel problems
• Abnormalities in teeth, kidneys and muscles
• Sensitive hearing and sight
• Overly friendly, a lacy or starburst pattern on eyes.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• No official treatment currently exists
• Corrective surgery for veins/blood vessels
• Forms of therapy like:
• Physical, development, speech and music therapy
• Coordinated treatment with a geneticist

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, BUT WE'RE ALL HUMAN