The Williams Syndrome Association

The Williams Syndrome Association

The Williams Syndrome Association (WSA) is the most comprehensive resource for people and families living with WS as well as doctors, researchers and educators. The WSA provides the resources and refer- rals that families need, and a strong and supportive community with which to connect throughout that child’s life.

We create a roadmap to help families navigate challenges – providing answers to common questions, a step-by-step guide, information about WS clinics across the country and best practices for age-appropri- ate interventions.

Your support of the WSA community can provide vital, day-to-day programs. The WSA is a volunteer driven organization. We are parents, grandparents, relatives and legal guardians of people with Williams syndrome. We know first-hand the challenges of raising and caring for an individual with special needs. Among the programs and initiatives provided by the WSA are:

Family Support. Information, specialist referrals, a research library and best practice guide- lines for every phase of life – from diagnosis and early intervention, to planning for life beyond school.
Patient and Medical Registry. A connection between families and the research community. This is the single most valuable tool for improving understanding of Williams syndrome and discovering new ways to help children, plan research needs and distill best practices for fami- lies and doctors to use.
Cutting-edge Research. Funding for initiatives at leading facilities like Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford University.
National Conventions. An educational opportunity for parents and caregivers with special programs for children with WS and their siblings.
International Research Symposiums. The bi-annual meeting provides a forum for scientists and doctors to discuss new research findings in Williams syndrome, plan research needs and distill best practices for families and doctors to use.
Enrichment Opportunities and Scholarships for Individuals with WS. Workshops and camp programs provide life-changing enrichment experiences. Scholarships for summer and post-secondary programs enable families in need to participate.
Sixteen Regions Nationwide. Volunteers host social events and other opportunities for indi- viduals with WS and their families to connect.

Since its inception, the WSA has helped nearly 5,000 families of individuals with Williams syndrome. But there are thousands more who need our support, and there’s much more to be done. By supporting the WSA, you will help create opportunities for people with Williams syndrome and help accelerate research that could have far broader implications.

For more info click here:
https://www.williams-syndrome.org/