Unexpected Journeys: Everyone loves The Wiggles

Brady received a Wiggles video for Easter (still like videos rather than DVDs... although my husband would disagree) and he is as enthralled with the colorful crazy men as I am. My older son was able to cash in on the Wiggle hoopla right before he got too old for it, but we still have a soft spot for Fruit Salad and my all-time favorite, Quack Quack Quack, Cock-a-doodle-doo. I have been known to break out in full-singing mode when we hear this.

What is Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition (estimated to occur in 1/7,500 births) which causes medical and developmental problems.

Williams syndrome is caused by a spontaneously occurring deletion of 20 genes on chromosome #7, including the gene that makes the protein elastin, which provides strength and elasticity to vessel walls. The heart and blood vessel abnormalities are caused by this lack of elastin. Most young children with Williams syndrome are described as having similar facial features. These features include a small upturned nose, wide mouth, full lips, small chin, and puffiness around the eyes. Blue and green-eyed children with Williams syndrome can have a prominent "starburst" or white lacy pattern on their iris.

The majority of individuals with Williams syndrome have some type of heart or blood vessel problem. Typically, there is narrowing in the aorta (producing supravalvular aortic stenosis SVAS), or narrowing in the pulmonary arteries. There is a broad range in the degree of narrowing, ranging from trivial to severe (requiring surgical correction of the defect).

Individuals with Williams syndrome have a very endearing personality. They have a unique strength in their expressive language skills, and are extremely polite. They are typically unafraid of strangers and show a greater interest in contact with adults than with their peers.

(adapted from the Williams Syndrome Association website)

Unexpected Journeys

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Everyone loves The Wiggles

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