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Williams syndrome

• More information on 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
• Mild to moderate intellectual disability
• Learning disabilities
• 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
• Dental problems

Adults with Williams syndrome also tend to have a long, gaunt face and short height.

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.

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More information on Williams syndrome

Explore other publications and websites

• Age Appropriate Information (Copyright © Williams Syndrome Association) - this web page provides information about Williams syndrome specific to each stage of life, from infancy through adulthood. It includes information about what you should expect as a parent and advice on how to best care for your child.
  http://www.williams-syndrome.org/content/age-appropriate-information
• Frequently Asked Questions: Williams Syndrome and the WSA (Copyright © Williams Syndrome Association) - This publication offers information about the cause of Williams syndrome, how it is diagnosed, and other frequently asked questions about this syndrome.
  http://www.williams-syndrome.org/faq
• Music and Williams Syndrome (Copyright © Williams Syndrome Association) - There is a well-documented connection between affinity for music and Williams syndrome. This fact sheet explains this connection, what it means, and how music therapy might help your child become a successful learner.
  http://www.williams-syndrome.org/teacher/music-and-williams-syndrome
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Williams Syndrome Information Page - This online publication discusses the definition, causes, prognosis, and treatment options available for Williams syndrome.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/williams/williams.htm
• 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
• Williams Syndrome (Copyright © National Organization for Rare Disorders) - This online publication provides information on the symptoms and diagnosis of Williams syndrome. It also includes sources of additional information.
  http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Williams%20Syndrome

Connect with other organizations

• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  http://www.aamr.org
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
  http://www.rarediseases.org/
• President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities, ACF, HHS
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/pcpid/
• Public Information and Communications Branch, NICHD, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nichd.nih.gov
• The Arc
  http://www.thearc.org
• The Feingold Center for Children
  http://www.thefeingoldcenter.org/index.htm
• Williams Syndrome Association, Inc.
  http://www.williams-syndrome.org/
• Williams Syndrome Foundation
  http://www.wsf.org/

Content last updated September 22, 2009.

Resources last updated September 22, 2009.

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