Education: Toddlers with WS will require early intervention programs to address developmental delays. Early intervention programs could include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and occasionally music therapy.
Students with William Syndrome have an array of challenges with learning thus these students will warrant different accommodations and/or modifications within their educational setting. School aged children with WS will have some learning difficulties which will be addressed with an IEP, or individualized education program. A multidisciplinary team consisting of a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech language pathologist, a vision teacher and potentially a deaf/hard of hearing teacher may be necessary to address varying deficits. A physical or occupational therapist may be needed to improve muscle tone, strength, range of motion, and fine motor skills. Educational professionals should make note of anxiety and gears such as the noise of the school's bells or fire/weather alarms. A speech-language pathologist may be needed to create visuals and picture tools for learning. Students with WS will also benefit from an educator incorporating music wherever possible, offering direct, step-by-step instruction, promoting peer interaction, encouraging safe relationships, responding with high praise rather than tangible rewards, providing frequent breaks, providing a visual schedule to reduce preservation on upcoming events.
