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Growing Up Different

 
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Growing Up Different - Together 4 pages: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Q: Is there anything you would like people to know about Williams Syndrome?

Scott: What I'd like to say is very real and from the heart. I'd like to say that there should be an acceptance in every walk of life. That includes people with Williams. If for a day, or for a moment, people who didn't know us would step in our shoes, and see what it was like to be us, I think they would have a different opinion and a different heart. I think they would actually be a loving human being.

I found that to be very truthful of the people at the Salk Institute. They were very open, very, very caring because they see people with Williams Syndrome every day. They understand what people with Williams Syndrome like, their personalities and the type of things they like doing.

Q: Do you have advice for parents of children with Williams Syndrome?

Scott: Find out about the syndrome and find out what abilities they have. It's a rare disorder. Learn how to love them and care for them.

Steven: My advice, along with what my brother is saying, is that first they should get involved with the organization Williams Syndrome International. Get them in support groups. Get involved with parents with kids that have Williams Syndrome.

When we found out, it was scary because we didn't know what Williams Syndrome was. And the thing we need to do is reassure the parents that there are people out there that will understand what's going on and will broaden their lives and by telling them what's out there, what's available and what things they can involved with, too, like the local Williams Syndrome picnic or the International Williams Syndrome Convention. It will make them more comfortable and make them feel very safe as to what's going on. Sciam Logo

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