WILLIAMS SYNDROME AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Sarah Dobbs MSOTS

WILLIAMS SYNDROME AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Sarah Dobbs MSOT/S Washington University School of Medicine

WILLIAMS SYNDROME Genetic Condition present at birth § Microdeletion of genes on chromosome 7 1 in 8, 000 -10, 000 births worldwide § Random occurrence Detected with FISH and UV light

CHARACTERISTICS Facial appearance Heart and blood vessel problems Problems with feeding Irritability Dental abnormalities § Wide spacing § Defective Enamel Kidney abnormalities Auditory hypersensitivity Musculoskeletal problems Developmental delay § Learning disabilities § ADD

FACIAL FEATURES

PROGNOSIS Mental retardation ~75% Lower life expectancy § Heart failure § Kidney problems/failure Lower independence in life § ADLs § Employment § Housing

TREATMENTS Symptomatically treated Therapies recommended to increase function § § Physical Speech Occupational Developmental

OT’S ROLE How can OT be involved with Williams Syndrome? § § § Developmental delays Low muscle tone Social skills Literal thinking Spatial relations Fine motor skill development Feeding Sensory Modulation Transition planning ADLs School success

RESEARCH Current research § O’Reilly, M. F. & Lancioni, G. E. (2001) § John, A. E. & Mervis C. B. (2010) § Mervis, C. B. & John, A. E. (2010) Lacking in research § Intervention § Occupational therapy

NEXT STEPS Advocate for further research § OT interventions specifically for WS § Ex. spatial relations and handwriting Education Increase awareness of local, state, and national resources