About Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic condition present at birth, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. It is caused by the spontaneous deletion of about 26–28 genes on the long arm of chromosome 7.

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Williams syndrome occurs across all ethnicities, cultures, and countries, and affects males and females equally. It is not caused by anything a parent did or did not do - it happens randomly at conception.

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WS presents uniquely in every individual. Abilities, strengths, and medical complexities exist on a wide spectrum and can vary significantly from person to person. Many individuals with Williams syndrome have medical concerns, most commonly involving the cardiovascular system. Additional challenges may include kidney abnormalities, high blood pressure, vision issues, thyroid and digestive disorders, hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels), hypersensitive hearing, as well as feeding and sleep difficulties.

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Developmental delays are common, along with learning differences that may affect attention, spatial reasoning, and abstract thinking.

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Individuals with Williams syndrome often share certain physical characteristics, such as a small upturned nose, a wide smile, a lacy or “starburst” pattern in the iris, and smaller stature.

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Alongside the challenges, Williams syndrome is also associated with remarkable strengths. Many individuals with WS have strong verbal abilities, highly social and engaging personalities, and a deep love of music. They are often described as friendly, empathetic, and joyful - bringing warmth and light to those around them.

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For additional information and resources, please visit the Williams Syndrome Association website.