Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It occurs randomly and affects 1 in 18,000 people in the UK.

Williams syndrome is not passed on from parent to child.

Williams syndrome and learning disability

Williams syndrome affects everyone in different ways, but many people will have a learning disability.

A child's development will be delayed if they have Williams syndrome, which means they may take longer to learn how to walk, talk, and develop other social skills.

How does Williams syndrome affect someone?

As well as a learning disability, people with Williams syndrome will often share distinctive facial characteristics including a wide mouth with a pronounced bottom lip, slightly high and rounded cheeks, and widely-spaced teeth.

People with Williams syndrome can develop physical and mental health problems later in life, including anxiety and depression. People with Williams syndrome are very talkative and can be excessively friendly.