Williams Syndrome Center

The Williams Syndrome Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital offers coordinated care for the diagnosis and treatment of Williams syndrome (WS), a rare genetic disorder that is associated with developmental delays and medical problems affecting multiple parts of the body.  Williams syndrome occurs in about 1 in 8,000 births, and features include:

• Characteristic facial features that have been described as pixie-like
• Feeding problems
• Developmental delays
• Characteristic personality features
• Blood vessel problems
• Problems with hormones

There are often other health concerns such as:

• Eye crossing
• Difficulty with potty training, increased frequency with which the child needs to go or urgency leading to accidents or the feeling of pain with urination
• Hernias and other problems of connective tissue such as loose or tight joints or scoliosis

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. 

St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University 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.