As people with the Williams syndrome tend to be very happy and chatty to strangers and they also have the elfin look, many historians think that the so-called elves were actually people suffering of the syndrome. Generally, these people have charming and strong personalities and they are really fun to spend time with. This is why, long time ago, ordinary people may have considered them magical and extraordinary, without realizing the fact that they actually suffer from a disease. In the English folklore, the “wee folks” or the “good people” were apparently those suffering of the Williams syndrome.

In present, those who are diagnosed with the Williams syndrome and also their families say that being named elves is unnecessary and hurtful. Regular people laugh off the existence of such a disease, mocking it and called the Williams syndrome a “cocktail party syndrome”. Because of these, people with the Williams syndrome are hurt and so are those they love. In the world exist dozens of Williams syndrome associations. Even these have politely asked other people and also the press to stop mocking the Williams syndrome because this is not a fun thing that people can simply include in the folklore, but a real life problem.

As the lives of the patients suffering from Williams Syndrome is very difficult, there are Williams Syndrome associations that try to help people get over this difficult period of time. Williams Syndrome researches still go on to discover new things and perhaps find a cure. People suffering from Williams Syndrome are very sociable and they can hardly stop to speak and socialize with others. Heart problems endanger their lives. A few of those who suffer from Williams Syndrome also have mental retardation. The parents and the family of those who suffer from Williams Syndrome have many difficulties in dealing with this difficult situation.

Visual perception is also a problem of those who suffer from Williams Syndrome. Special Williams Syndrome associations make the lives of those who have Williams Syndrome easier and help them deal with the disease. There are several people who suffer from this health problem, so scientists have to research intensely to find the cure of this disease and improve the lives of those suffering from Williams Syndrome or improving them, at least. It’s a difficult process which has needs funding and the support of the government to make the lives of patients better and easier. The psychological support is also very important, helping them accept this disease and getting used with the way they are perceived by the society. The specialists have a huge responsibility, but the results, even small, are very important.

The Williams syndrome association is an association designed to assist all of those afflicted with Williams syndrome. The association keeps up to date news on their website to discuss new advances in the medical field regarding the disease as well as inform community members about upcoming events and fundraisers for the association. Many of the members on the site communicate with one another to discuss the difficulties associated with Williams syndrome and to find a friend in someone else online. The association is also in place to give support to family members and people afflicted if they’re going through hard times. Living with any illness is difficult and having a support group there to back you up is always a nice feeling to have.

Other common symptoms of the disease are things like heart defects and mental retardation. Heart defects are normally apparent within the first few weeks of birth. Things like mental retardation can be tough to recognize until the later stages of development. It is also known that most people with Williams syndrome are very social. They often find it difficult to control themselves in social situations with how much they talk and converse. The disease is sometimes jokingly referred to as “cocktail party syndrome” as people that have it are generally very active and chatty. Lastly, Williams syndrome can also cause problems with visual understanding. Depth perception isn’t a problem for people with the disease, but rather they find it tough to process all the information in a spatial scene all at once.

Characteristics of Williams Syndrome

One of the first ways to tell that Williams Syndrome is present is by simply looking at the face of the patient. Patients with Williams Syndrome usually have a very low nasal bridge and because of the affected genes, have a very unusual facial appearance. Having widely spaced teeth is another physical characteristic of the disease.

However, there are other signs and particular characteristics that appear with Williams Syndrome. One of those is the mental retardation that is obviously present in patients who are diagnosed with the syndrome. People suffering from Williams Syndrome are known to be extremely friendly and congenial, but there is an obvious lack of common sense present.

Other than the unusual facial features and mental retardation, there are other symptoms associated with Williams Syndrome. One of those is respiratory problems as well as cardiovascular problems. Heart murmurs are very common in people with Williams Syndrome.

There is currently no cure for Williams Syndrome but some measures, such as reducing the intake of Vitamin D, can be taken for treatment. Because the symptoms and experiences of people with Williams Syndrome is so varied, treatment options are as well.