Williams syndrome: daily challenges and positive impact on the family

Authors:
SCALLAN Susan, SENIOR Joyce, REILLY Colin
Journal article citation:
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(2), March 2011, pp.181-188.
Publisher:
Wiley

The genetic disorder Williams syndrome causes characteristic facial features, feeding difficulties and a failure to prosper in infancy. To date, however, few studies have explored the parental experiences of raising a child with this genetic syndrome. This study of 14 families, all recruited from the Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland, used qualitative methodologies via semi-structured interviews with parents. Findings indicated a variety of daily challenges faced by parents of a person with Williams syndrome. Parental perceptions relating to the positive impact that a person with Williams syndrome can have on the family were also reported. Overall, many of the findings regarding the daily challenges faced by families with a person with Williams syndrome appear to be similar to the experiences of families who have children with other genetic syndromes, the results suggested that certain challenges may be unique to parents of this group. The authors concluded that this study highlighted the positive aspects of raising a child with a disability.

Subject terms:
Williams syndrome, coping behaviour, families;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Ireland
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1468-3148
ISSN print:
1360-2322

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts