About Williams syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder. Like Down's Syndrome it is caused by an abnormality in chromosomes, and shows a wide variation in ability from person to person.

Williams People have a unique pattern of emotional, physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. For parents, teachers, and care workers, learning about this pattern can be akey to understanding a Williams person and inhelping them achieve their full potential.

It is a non-hereditary syndrome which occurs at random and can effect brain development in varying degrees, combined with some physical effects or physical problems. These range from lack of co-ordination, slight muscle weakness, possible heart defects and occasional kidney damage. Hypercalcaemia - a high calcium level - is often discovered in infancy, and normaldevelopment is generally delayed.

The incidence is approximately 1 in 25,000. The Foundation hears of over 75 cases a year - and this figure is rising as publicity spreads. By 2002 over 1300 cases were known in the UK and similar organisations have now sprung up in the USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and most countries in Europe.