Extraordinary Gifts, Unique Challenges

Download or read book Extraordinary Gifts, Unique Challenges written by Michelle A. Self and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2014-05-16 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A collection of essays written by parents, family, and friends of children with Williams syndrome, telling in their own words of their challenges and triumphs, their heartaches and moments of bliss. In addition, nine adults with Williams syndrome give advice to younger people with the diagnosis, while reflecting on what their own parents did that helped them the most. Williams syndrome is a genetic condition affecting 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. It is caused by a spontaneous deletion of one pair of a few dozen genes on chromosome 7. Individuals with Williams syndrome often have severe cardiovascular issues, developmental delays, and difficulties living independently, but also, in general, have outgoing personalities, enormous empathy, and a strong affinity for music.