While there is no “cure” for Williams syndrome, many families benefit from the team approach at our Williams Syndrome Center where multiple doctors experienced in Williams syndrome work together to maximize a child’s health and development. Evaluations you might expect if your child has Williams syndrome include the following:
- Questions about their health, personal growth, development, and socialization.
- A physical exam looking for features of the condition
- Examination of the heart by echocardiogram and EKG
- Ultrasound of the kidneys looking for abnormal appearance or calcium deposits
- Tests of your child’s hormones (usually blood and urine tests)
(Note: Even though these conditions should be evaluated in all children with Willams syndrome, not all children will have problems in all areas.)
Based on the findings from these tests, your child may be referred for additional investigation with another doctor or therapist. Health care specialists that commonly care for individuals with Williams syndrome include Geneticists, Cardiologists Endocrinologists Nephrologists Ophthalmologists ENTs Orthopedic Surgeons, and Urologists. In addition, individuals with Williams syndrome often benefit from the involvement of specialized therapy services including Physical, Occupational and, Speech Therapists, Feeding Teams, and Behavioral and Psychological Therapists. The Williams Syndrome Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital offers coordinated care for these services.
