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Teachers aid on Williams syndrome

 

Williams syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by physical and developmental disabilities. But WS is also an "atypical" disorder in which children do not fit easily into pre-defined learning categories.

Children with WS are extremely social and can have a high degree of language. This can fool educators into believing a child is progressing further than they truly are.

An excellent example of this concept can be found in the following quote from the 1991 Discover Magazine article Different Minds, by Robert Finn:

"As educational psychologist Eleanor Semel says, 'Educators are confused because the Williams syndrome child tests like the retarded child, talks like a gifted child, behaves like a disturbed child, and functions like a learning-disabled child.' Each of these terms has a specific meaning in the world of special education, yet none seems to fit the characteristic peaks and valleys in Williams syndrome. The result is that children with Williams syndrome are generally not well served by schools."

This area is intended to help educators teaching children with Williams syndrome get oriented to the special education characteristics and needs of these children.

Educational information regarding Williams syndrome

  • Information for teachers

    • Pamphlet developed by Dr. Karen Levine, Ph. D., Psychologist and Co-Director of the Williams Syndrome Program at The Children's Hospital of Boston, MA.
     
  • Music and Williams syndrome

    • The unique link between children with Williams syndrome and their ability to learn through music has been documented through studies, documentaries, and special programs by experts in the fields of Cognitive Neuroscience, Educational Psychology, Developmental and Cell Biology, Special Education, and others. You can find details here.
     
  • Educational strategies

    • Connecting the WS cognitive profile to educational strategies - a pamphlet by Nancy Grejtak.
     
  • Psychological testing & evaluation strategies

    • Guidelines for Psychological Assessment of young Children (age 4-12) with Williams syndrome.
     
  • Educational survey results

    • Results of educational survey conducted by the Williams Syndrome Association and it's members.
     

General information regarding Williams syndrome

  • What is Williams syndrome

    • This is the WS Facts brochure. It provides an introduction to many of the aspects of Williams syndrome.

    This brochure is also available in Spanish here.

  • Frequently asked questions

    • Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Williams syndrome here.
     

 

"A child with Williams
Syndrome once said,
'Music is my favorite
way of thinking...'"

Music and the Brain 
NPR Special presentation 
1998 

"There are common
strengths that are
seen in children with
WS. They include�
ability to learn from
hands-on experiences;
extraordinary ability
to learn through music�"

The Resource Foundation 
for Children with 
Challenges 

"To some, perhaps the
most striking distinction
is the extraordinary
connection that these
people have with music."

Music, the Brain and 
Williams Syndrome 
Brendan A. Maher 
The Scientist magazine 
2001
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