Angelman Syndrome

What is Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder first described in 1965 by Dr. Harry Angelman.

The rural English physician who discovered Angelman Syndrome.

Some common characteristics of AS are:

• An unstable, jerky gait
  
• Unusually happy demeanor
  
• Variable developmental delay, usually severe by traditional testing methods
  
• Lack of speech or few words.  Receptive language skills may be much higher than expressive language skills
  
• Small head size
  
• Seizure disorders

Other features often noted include sleep disturbances, flatten back of the head, excessive drooling, chewing and other oral behaviors, hyperactivity, light skin, eyes and hair colors when compared to other family members and feeding problems in infancy.