WILLIAMS SYNDROME

Image by Pensiero via Flickr William Syndrome is a rare disorder caused by missing genes. The disorder which affects 1 in 7500 people has distinctive psychological and physical effects. People with Williams can live full and healthy lives, but they do experience cardiovascular and other physical symptoms related to the disorder. Before 1980, people were considered mentally handicapped but later researchers were able to note, although that had difficulty with math skills, writing, and negotiating space, their language skills were rather good they were friendly, talkative and outgoing. People with Williams are able to maintain intensive eye contact with other people, and can easily engage strangers in conversation. However, these traits can often get them in trouble, because Williams Syndrome patients lack a sense of irony, cannot read facial expressions well, and are unable to see malicious intent.In other words they lack a theory of mind-they are unable to see things from another person's perspective.
To learn more about William Syndrome Go to The Williams Syndrome Association.