When your child or loved one is diagnosed with Williams syndrome, you immediately become a member of a community of 20,000+ families in the United States, and countless others world wide. Making connections with others in our WS community is invaluable to so many families. You can connect with other in a number of ways.
Make Connections
Family Support Network
The WSA’s Family Support Network is a nationwide network of WSA members (parents/relatives/caregivers/professionals) who want to connect, and help others connect with “communities within our community”. These communities may be based on simple demographics such as age or gender of son/daughter with WS, ethnicity, developmental and life stages, medical, emotional, or educational issues, or even your place of residence -- all under the broad premise of “see a need, fill a need.”
Connect with your Local Community
The community of families impacted by Williams syndrome who are members of the WSA is 4,000+, but in your immediate community you may be the only family with a child with Williams syndrome, or one of just a few.
The Williams Syndrome Association is organized into 19 regions across the United States. Each region works to provide resource information and social and educational opportunities to its members. Volunteers (parents and grandparents who can provide resources and information) have been identified in each state to help provide personalized information and support. These Family Support Network volunteers are joined by many others who work hard to facilitate annual gatherings such as picnics, conferences and fundraising events.
Connect with your Online Community
Sometimes, an online connection can be as valuable as an in-person connection. You can connect with the WSA, people with WS, and families of those with WS online through a number of channels.
International WS Organizations
There are many organizations similar to the WSA throughout the world. Just as we do, each of these organizations works hard to increase awareness of Williams syndrome and support local families in a variety of ways.