Williams Syndrome
Williams Syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of both the body and personality. The condition is characterised by mild to moderate mental retardation or learning disabilities, unique personality characteristics, cardiovascular problems and distinctive facial features. The condition itself is related to a chromosomal condition and is caused by the deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome 7. The deleted region includes more than 20 genes and research has shown that the loss of these genes contributes to the particular characteristics of the condition, including problems with visual-spatial tasks, co-ordination, mental retardation and other cognitive difficulties. The condition is not thought to be genetically inherited, although in a small number of cases people with Williams Syndrome will inherit the chromosomal deletion from a parent with the condition.
How does Williams Syndrome affect a child?
Most people with Williams Syndrome have some degree of learning difficulties. They typically do better on tasks that involve spoken language and memorising forms and figures rather than on visual-spatial tasks such as writing and drawing. Children with Williams Syndrome typically have very outgoing and engaging personalities and tend to take an extreme interest in other people. Williams Syndrome can also cause other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and phobias.
Physically, the child will have distinctive facial features and will often suffer from a form of cardiovascular disease called supravlavar aortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The syndrome can also cause sight problems and other issues with various systems within the body.
How can Verbal Behaviour Intervention help Williams Syndrome?
Because Williams Syndrome children are keen to engage with other people, developing their communication skills through verbal means is often the most effective form of therapy. This can expand their communicative repertoire enabling them to interact more successfully with their peers. It is also important to equip them with the skills to be able to understand the hidden meanings behind communications so that their interactions are appropriate for all kinds of social situations. Williams Syndrome children tend to be very trusting and take verbal communication at ‘face value’, perhaps misinterpreting underlying meanings or connotations of complex language usage. Social disinhibition and inappropriate friendliness are typical in children with the syndrome and these characteristics can give rise to significant problems as adults. Mental health problems, especially related to anxiety, are also frequently reported in adults.
VBC can help a child with Williams Syndrome understand the nuances of verbal and visual communication in a more detailed context. By expanding their understanding of the finer aspects of communication such as facial expressions, context and a deeper knowledge of language structure, we can help the learner reach developmental points that are comparable to children of their own age with normal development. This allows them to interact with their peer group on an equal level and can help to avoid the development of phobias or anxiety at a later stage.
For more information on Williams Syndrome and how VBC can help, call us in confidence to discuss your needs. 07884 252 524
