Angelman Syndrome

WHAT IS ANGELMAN SYNDROME?

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare chromosomal disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and causes severe learning difficulties. Children with AS have a characteristic happy demeanour but stiff jerky movements.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHILD WITH AS?

Typical characteristics of AS include:

• Small head size
• Happy, sociable personality
• Severe learning difficulties
• Frequent giggling laughter
• Problems with balance and movement
• Hand-clapping or flapping
• Developmental delay
• Jerky movements
• Enjoy physical contact
• Epilepsy
• Difficulty in speech and language development
• Wide smiling mouth
• Deep-set eyes
• Prominent chin
• Affectionate
• Hyperactivity, decreasing with age
• Difficulty sleeping, improving with age

Although children with AS also have difficulties with speech and language development, many of them have a greater understanding of language than their verbal ability indicates. Therefore many use alternative non-verbal means of communication, for example, Makaton.

Many children with AS have the ability to learn basic self-care skills such as feeding and toileting and some simple domestic tasks such as setting the table or dusting.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF AS?

AS is caused by a gene abnormality on chromosome 15 inherited from the mother. It is similar to Prader-Willi Syndrome which occurs on the chromosome 15 inherited from the child’s father. It commonly occurs because of a deletion of part of chromosome 15, but may also be due to inheriting two copies of chromosome 15 from the father or because of other problems with chromosome 15. Most cases of AS are not inherited and the genetic abnormality is a random occurrence during the formation of reproductive cells.

HOW CAN YOU HELP A CHILD WITH AS?

There is no cure for AS but many of the symptoms can be treated. Speech and Language Therapy can help with difficulties in speech development. Physiotherapy is also useful for dealing with some of the physical symptoms of AS. Encouraging children to use nonverbal means of communication will also give them a greater ability to express themselves. Medication may be used to control symptoms such as Epilepsy or difficulties with sleeping.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.