People with WS require regular monitoring for potential medical problems by a healthcare specialist familiar with the syndrome. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Chris has Williams Syndrome (WS), a rare genetic disorder affecting around one in 18,000 people in Britain. Relative to overall level of intellectual ability, individuals with Williams syndrome typically show a clear strength in auditory rote memory, a strength in language, and an extreme weakness in visuospatial . Many people might not have heard of the rare genetic disorder known as Williams Syndrome. Families of affected individuals encounter major struggles. Celebrities with Turner Syndrome. Contemp Clin Dent. The syndrome affects one in every 18,000 people, including about 20 families in . Read our privacy policy for more information. 35% of these children met the DSM definition of having a phobia as compared with 14.3% for those with other types of developmental delays. He has gone on to have a successful music career and is an advocate for WS awareness. 10 Celebrities with Chronic Illnesses | Celebrity Health - Live Science In the United States, this condition affects around one in every 10,000-20,000 infants. It is the type of personality seen only occasionally beyond the world of Williams Syndrome. 13 people with Down syndrome who are breaking barriers in entertainment, athletics, fashion, and more. This spontaneous deletion occurs either in the egg or the sperm and is believed to be present at the time of conception. But if you have Williams, the chance is one in two. One well-known individual with WS is Lauren Potter, an actress known for her role as Becky Jackson on the television series Glee. Lauren has been a strong advocate for individuals with WS and has spoken about her experiences growing up with the condition. [26] Also, some evidence indicates that people with WS exhibit amygdalal hyperactivity when viewing happy facial expressions. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 23 Excess calcium is a frequent problem in WS, therefore, avoiding additional vitamin D helps maintain more normal calcium levels in the body. And many advocates for greater awareness of WS and accessibility to resources for those affected. [citation needed], People affected by WS are supported by multiple organizations, including the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome and the Williams Syndrome Registry. Her mother Katherine is often held up while shopping as Lauren stops to say 'hello' to people. People with WS tend to have widely spaced teeth, a long philtrum, and a flattened nasal bridge. Copyright 2023 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved. [10], People with WS experience many cardiac problems, commonly heart murmurs and the narrowing of major blood vessels, as well as supravalvular aortic stenosis. "When they're four or fivewhether they know you or not, within about five minutes you're their new best friend.". 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