Specialist Web Sites

 NICE Evidence Search

Reviewed research and guidance from NICE
 Williams Syndrome Association

US Support Association
 Williams Syndrome Association NZ

New Zealand Williams Syndrome Association
 Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland

A charity that provides support for families affected by Williams Syndrome in Ireland.

 Williams Syndrome Australia

A non-profit organization that strives to enrich the lives of individuals and families affected by Williams syndrome
 Williams Syndrome Foundation

The UK Williams Syndrome Foundation

 WS Family Support Group

A community of families with Williams Syndrome members, based in Victoria, Australia.
 WSAWA

The Williams Syndrome Association of Western Australia is devoted to improving the lives of individuals with Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome

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Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body.

Facial features frequently include a broad forehead, short nose and full cheeks, an appearance that has been described as "elfin".

Mild to moderate intellectual disability with particular problems with visual spatial tasks such as drawing and fewer problems with language are typical.

Those affected often have an outgoing personality and interact readily with strangers. Problems with teeth, heart problems, especially supravalvular aortic stenosis, and periods of high blood calcium are common.

Williams syndrome is caused by a genetic abnormality, specifically a deletion of about 27 genes from the long arm of one of the two chromosome 7s. Typically this occurs as a random event during the formation of the egg or sperm from which a person develops. In a small number of cases, it is inherited from an affected parent in an autosomal dominant manner.

The different characteristic features have been linked to the loss of specific genes. The diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing.

Treatment includes special education programs and various types of therapy.

Surgery may be done to correct heart problems. Dietary changes or medications may be required for high blood calcium.

The syndrome was first described in 1961 by New Zealander John C. P. Williams.

Williams syndrome affects between 1 in 7,500 to 1 in 20,000 people at birth.