Close
Understanding Williams syndrome and how better help individuals and their families.
Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that occurs 1 in 18,000 live births and is caused by a genetic deletion on the long arm of chromosome 7.
Individuals with WS often show uneven cognitive profiles with better language abilities, compared to non-verbal or visuo-spatial abilities. This uneven cognitive profile allows us to get a better understanding of domain relevant abilities for particular cognitive outcomes in life, and may give us a better insight into the kind of interventions and support that should be provided for those with WS and their families.
Research
Our research focuses on:
- Obtaining a better understanding of development in Williams syndrome across the life span: evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal data
- Individual differences related to development in Williams syndrome
- How children with Williams syndrome can be supported in the classroom.
Current studies:
Guidance for parents and professionals
40 facts about Williams syndrome: To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Williams syndrome foundation members of the lab created 40 evidence-based facts about development in Williams syndrome.