Williams syndrome

Williams syndrome is a genetic learning disability characterized by extreme language fluency and volubility, good awareness of appropriate body language and emotions. Those affected are charmingly sociable people, treating everyone they meet as their new best friend. They are sometimes too open and trusting towards strangers, not realizing when they are in danger and leaving them vulnerable to abuse and bullying. Surprisingly, their empathic intelligence is often paired with a subnormal IQ score between 40 and 70, unpredictable emotionality, lack of motor dexterity and difficulties with mathematics. Individuals may struggle to retain close friendships and are prone to isolation and loneliness.

Williams Syndrome people lack a piece of DNA on Chromosome 7.  Typically, patients have elfin features: a wide mouth, a turned up nose and slightly bulgy eyes, supra valvular aortic stenosis (SVAS -- thickening of the arteries), high calcium levels at birth, hypersensitivity to sound and a generally retarded development.  Their brains are 80% normal size and have clusters of neurones in unusual spots.

Williams syndrome may affect one in 7,500 people.