Approximately one out of every 10,000-20,000 children are born with Angelman Syndrome. The symptoms of Angelman Syndrome are caused as a consequence of a genetic chromosomal abnormality which affects elements of the nervous system, especially the brain.
Symptoms Of Angelman Syndrome
There are many different symptoms of Angelman Syndrome, some of which are usually present and others that are occasionally present.
Usual Symptoms Of Angelman Syndrome
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Problems with speech.
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Impeded motor development. Children with Angelman Syndrome often show delayed progress in terms of learning to sit, crawl and walk.
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Delayed intellectual development. Children with Angelman Syndrome progress slowly in all developmental areas and can be severely disabled.
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“Jerky” and erratic puppet-like movements.
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A manner of walking best described as stiff-legged.
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Hyperactivity. Most Angelman Syndrome children will display exaggerated physical actions and behaviours.
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Hand flapping.
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Commonly children with Angelman Syndrome will laugh very easily i.e. without provocation or apparent reason.
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Overtly happy and loving social behaviour.
Occasional Symptoms Of Angelman Syndrome
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Epilepsy. Angelman Syndrome is known to cause epileptic seizures.
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Abnormal EEG (Eelectroencephalograph or Electroencephalogram) results. EEGs measure brainwave activity.
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Some Angelman Syndrome sufferers have a small head (microcephaly)
What Might A Physical Symptom Of Angelman Syndrome Be?
Many of the typical physical symptoms associated with Angelman Syndrome are often not apparent at birth but develop in childhood. Typically the following physical characteristics become noticeable:
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Wide gaps between the teeth and a pronounced jaw.
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The back of the head may have a flattened appearance (flat occiput).
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A wide ever present smile.
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Eyes that are deeply set.
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Hair, eyes and skin that are slightly pigmented (unlike other family members).
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A predisposition to chew objects.
Are There Typical Behavioral Problems Associated With Angelman Syndrome?
There are several typical behavioral problems related to Angelman Syndrome. These include:
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Sleeping disturbances.
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Difficulties with feeding during infancy.
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A delayed response to toilet training.
It should be noted that many Angelman Syndrome symptoms closely resemble those of other syndromes such as Rett Syndrome and Prader-Willi Syndrome and this can make the symptoms difficult to accurately diagnose.
Identifying The Symptoms Of Angelman Syndrome
Unfortunately as stated above, Angelman Syndrome goes largely unnoticed at birth and throughout many of the early childhood years since developmental issues can be non-specific during this period of time. Consequently, the symptoms of Angelman Syndrome are usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 to 7 years of age when the behaviors and physical features associated with the syndrome become more apparent.
Usually parents begin to suspect Angelman Syndrome after they either read about a particular symptom of Angelman Syndrome, which they can identify with their child or they encounter a child that has been diagnosed with the syndrome.
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