Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-developmental disorder primarily affecting the central nervous system.  It is caused by a defect in the 15th chromosome.  Children are normal at birth but developmental delays become evident by 6 to 12 months when major milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, and babbling are late.

Progression of skills is always forward in AS, but at a slow rate.  Life expectancy is  normal.  Some common features of AS include:  global developmental delays, lack of speech (although comprehension is very high), microcephaly (small head size), balance disorder, problems with coordination, often jerky, stiff walking and seizures.  Behaviorally, individuals are hyperactive, have a short attention span and tend to flap their hands when excited.  Unique to AS is the child's extremely happy and social personality with lots of laughing, smiling and hugging!  Many cases are misdiagnosed as Cerebral Palsy and other disorders.

There is no cure at this time.  However, with early intervention and intensive therapy, children can lead enriched lives.  Some examples of therpy include:  physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as special education, therapeutic horseback riding and aquatic therapy.

For more information, please visit the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) website at www.angelman.org.


Contact us:  julieandpj@voicesforangels.org