About Williams Syndrome
Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder. Like Down's Syndrome it is caused by an abnormality in chromosomes, and shows a wide variation in ability from person to person.
Williams People have a unique pattern of emotional, physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. For parents, teachers, and care workers, learning about this pattern can be akey to understanding a Williams person and inhelping them achieve their full potential.
It is a non-hereditary syndrome which occurs at random and can effect brain development in varying degrees, combined with some physical effects or physical problems. These range from lack of co-ordination, slight muscle weakness, possible heart defects and occasional kidney damage. Hypercalcaemia - a high calcium level - is often discovered in infancy, and normaldevelopment is generally delayed.
The incidence is approximately 1 in 25,000. The Foundation hears of over 75 cases a year - and this figure is rising as publicity spreads. By 2002 over 1300 cases were known in the UK and similar organisations have now sprung up in the USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and most countries in Europe.
The Williams Syndrome Foundation is run for parents by parents. There are no paid fund-raisers and funds go directly to research and welfare, apart from minimal administrative expenses.
Our Mission Statement
To be the first point of contact for individuals with Williams Syndrome, their families and professionals needing support and information regarding the Syndrome.
We will actively support research into the educational, behavioural, social, scientific and medical aspects of the Syndrome.
We will seek to organise our financial and personnel resources so as to achieve our mission on a sustainable basis.
The Foundation is supported by a panel of eminent medical and professional advisers. Details
It is still relatively unknown, but very cost-effective, so any contribution to our aims would be most gratefully received. Further information and Gift Aid forms can be obtained from the Registered Office.
The Williams Syndrome Foundation
(incorporating Infantile Hypercalcaemia)
Registered Charity No 281014
Registered Office: 161 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BX
