Williams Syndrome Explained A Guide for Young Children

What is Williams Syndrome? Williams syndrome is a condition some children are born with. When a person has Williams syndrome, they will always have it and will never "grow out of it.” You can't “catch it” like you can catch the sniffles. Just like all children, people with Williams syndrome are very smart. They are good at some things and not so good at others. One thing they have trouble with is thinking fast. They are very good at remembering people’s faces along with their names, even after meeting just one time. Also, people with Williams syndrome generally love music and some are excellent musicians, and a friend who has Williams syndrome will always know when you are happy or sad, even when you aren’t showing it. They are usually the first people to offer a hug or a high five to cheer you up. Just like other friends you have, some children with Williams syndrome have to see the doctor a few more times each year. People with Williams syndrome are special just like you!

We Are All Different You might think that someone with Williams syndrome is different than you, and yes, they are. In fact, we are ALL different. We might have different hair colors, we might have different- colored eyes, and we might be tall or short. We might wear glasses or have different-colored skin. Our differences make us all special and one of a kind! What makes YOU different?

Learning Differently You may notice that children with Williams syndrome learn differently than you.  It may take them longer to read a book, answer a math problem, write their names, answer a question, or put on a jacket.  Your teacher might allow a computer or a calculator to make some things easier and might even ask you to help. Do you have an idea of how you can help a friend with Williams syndrome?

Talking Differently Have you ever noticed how many people in the world talk differently than you do? Some use sign language, some speak in different accents, and some speak differently altogether.   The same is true for a child with Williams syndrome. Sometimes they have a unique way of communicating what they want and need.  It might seem funny … just like hearing someone speak a new language. Just like you, children with Williams syndrome enjoy several activities and have several interests.  You may hear them speaking about things they love all the time, just like you do with the things you love! Kids with Williams syndrome might also say the same thing over and over. It’s like the words are stuck in their heads. Have you ever had a favorite song stuck in your head? When you do, you sing it over and over again, right? That’s how it feels for them when this is happening. 

Feeling Different Most people with Williams syndrome are always very happy. They usually love to hug everyone, and sometimes other people don’t want to be hugged. A child with Williams syndrome may not understand why someone does not want to be hugged. One of the things you can do to help is offer to shake their hand or give them a high-five instead. This will make them just as happy. 

Anxiety Sometimes children with Williams syndrome get very anxious. They feel really nervous and may become scared easily. A loud noise or an unexpected change in the schedule at school may cause a child with Williams syndrome to scream or cry. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why they are upset.  As with any friend, it is important to be patient and show that you care.

Moving Around Have you ever noticed how you like to jump when you are excited or rock yourself in a rocking chair when you are bored or watching television?  The same thing is true for children with Williams syndrome.  They love to jump up and down when they are excited or rock back and forth when they are bored or concentrating. Do you like to sleep with a certain toy, stuffed animal, or blanket at night?  Does it make you feel relaxed and safe when you do?  The same thing is true for children with Williams syndrome. You might see them carrying around a blanket, a special toy, or a picture at school because it helps them, just like these special items help you. 

Every Day With Williams Syndrome You may see people with Williams syndrome cover their ears. Certain noises upset them and may even hurt their ears. The teachers will try very hard to warn them before a loud noise like a fire drill, but sometimes there is no warning, like a book or a chair falling on the ground. It is times like these where you might see them scream or yell to express their frustration at being startled. Some noises actually hurt their ears because they are sensitive to certain sounds. Covering their ears is a way for them to feel better quickly. While it is important to understand and care about how our friends are feeling, we want to encourage happiness, manners, and using words to express frustration, especially at school. A child with Williams syndrome wants to do exactly what you do, just like your little brother, sister, cousin, or neighbor friend. Kids with Williams syndrome may need extra help playing games and understanding rules. It is important that we show them how to behave in a classroom. They learn best through you.  

Making Friends Kids with Williams syndrome may need extra help playing games and understanding rules. It is important to be patient and show them what to do. Kids with Williams syndrome want to have friends just like you; they may need some extra help in making and keeping friends. When you see kids with Williams syndrome not being a good friend, it is important to show them what to do to be better. A child with Williams syndrome may want to play the same game or talk about the same thing every day.  You may think this is not very fun and even weird. It is important to encourage our friends with Williams syndrome to try new games or activities and to talk about different subjects. By showing them new things, you will give them the confidence to try.

Making Friends Kids with Williams syndrome want exactly what you and I want. They want to have friends too. Do you remember a time that you felt lonely and had no one to play with? There are times when a child with Williams syndrome feels this way too. Teaching good friendship skills is a great way you can help: Sharing Taking turns Sitting with a friend who is alone Laughing at a silly joke Playing a game Singing a silly song Walking with a friend through the hallway Can you think of more?

Ask Questions It is okay to ask questions about Williams syndrome. It is better to ask questions so you get the right answers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s much nicer to ask than to talk about them behind their backs.

More Information Williams Syndrome Changing Lives Foundation PO Box 76021 Saint Petersburg, FL 33734 Telephone: 727-557-7177 Website: www.wschanginglives.org E-mail: info@wschanginglives.org /WilliamsSyndromeChangingLivesFoundation

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