People with this disorder normally walk at a later age. This is because of the lack of muscle strength, poor coordination and a hard time with balance. Children can have anywhere from average intelligence to severe retardation. In recent studies 55% of children were found to be severely handicapped, 41% were found to be moderately handicapped and 4% of children were average.
Children with Williams Syndrome also talk later than normal. By 18 months of age they begin speaking single words and sometimes phrases. By the time they reach 4 to 5 years old language can become one of their strengths. Children with WS commonly have difficulty with fine-motor skills or tying shoes.
The life expectancy of someone with Williams Syndrome is normal unless they have a serious heart defect. In adulthood people with WS have stiffness, weak hips and knees. They also get grey hair early (age 20-30)
WS affects males and females equally and WS occurs in all ethnic groups.
Williams Syndrome can be diagnosed by a blood test. The lab uses a technique called FISH, which looks for an elastin gene one every chromosome #7.
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