Is there genetic testing for Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome is a contiguous gene syndrome, which means that all of the deleted genes “line up” within the Williams syndrome “critical region” of 26-28 genes. There are two DNA tests that can determine if a person has Williams syndrome. The FISH test and the Microarray.

What tests are done to diagnose Williams syndrome?

How is Williams syndrome diagnosed? The condition can typically be diagnosed by physical characteristics. The diagnosis can be confirmed by doing a test called fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This is a lab test that labels DNA sequences with a chemical that lights up under ultraviolet light.

Can Williams syndrome be detected prenatally?

Prenatal testing is available for couples with a family history of Williams syndrome who wish to conceive.

Can Williams syndrome be passed on?

Williams syndrome can also, rarely, be inherited from a parent who has the condition. In the rare event the condition is inherited, it is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that just one copy of the altered chromosome 7 is enough to cause the condition.

How do I know if my child has Williams syndrome?

Young children with Williams syndrome have distinctive facial features including a broad forehead, a short nose with a broad tip, full cheeks, and a wide mouth with full lips. Many affected people have dental problems such as teeth that are small, widely spaced, crooked, or missing.

Can children with Williams syndrome walk?

Learning Problems. Learning problems are common in children with Williams syndrome. They range from mild to severe. Children are slower to walk, talk, and gain new skills compared to other children their age.

What is the lifespan of someone with Williams syndrome?

Most people with Williams syndrome have a normal life expectancy, but some may have a reduced life expectancy due to complications of the disease (such as cardiovascular problems). Oftentimes, people with Williams syndrome will need additional support as they grow into adults.

How is Williams syndrome diagnosed?

There are two tests that can be performed to provide a diagnosis of Williams syndrome. This test is performed by drawing 5mL of blood from the baby or child with suspected Williams syndrome. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) testing “is a type of specialized chromosome analysis utilizing specially prepared elastin probes.

Is Williams syndrome life threatening?

It usually affects one in out of eight thousand births and is present when the baby is born. It is also referred to as Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Children with Williams Syndrome are usually endearing, friendly, and sociable. Many of these children have cardiovascular problems that are life-threatening.

What does Williams syndrome mean?

Williams syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by mild mental retardation, unique personality characteristics, unusual facial features, and cardiovascular disease. The level of calcium tends to be high in blood ( hypercalcemia) and urine (hypercalciuria). Mental retardation is the rule and ranges from severe to mild.

Is Williams syndrome related to autism?

Williams Syndrome is a poor model for studying the heritability of autism. Almost all cases are caused by a de novo gene mutation and are not inherited. Rarely, parent to child transmission does occur but the parents aren’t affected as far as autism is concerned (Morris 2006).