Not all people with AS will have all of these physical characteristics and/or symptoms.
Consistent Features: Occur in 100% of children
- Actual cognitive abilities may be higher than testing indicates because of the attention deficits, hyperactivity, and lack of speech and motor control.
- May differ from others with significant intellectual disability because of their ability to understand some language
- Most need support to live independently as adults.
- A small number of children are unable to walk (10%).
- Children with AS who learn to walk often start between ages 2.5 and 6 years.
- Gait may appear jerky and stiff.
- Forearms may be flexed and/or pronated (palms down).
- Tremors occur in limbs.
- Movements may be unsteady, clumsy, quick, or jerky. They may tend to lean or lurch forward.
- Increased motor activity is present.
- Tongue is often out of mouth; drooling and a wide mouth are present.
- Apparent happy demeanor. This behavior may indicate something other than happiness, including pain.
- Easily excitable, frequent laughter
- Often, hand flapping or waving
- Short attention span
- Some behavior changes may occur due to certain medications.
- Receptive and non-verbal communication skills higher than verbal ones
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices may improve communication.
Frequent Findings: Occur in 80% of children
- Usually have a smaller head
- Usually start before 3 years of age
- Seizures become less severe with age but will continue through life
- Any type of seizure may occur
- May require multiple medications
- May be hard to recognize seizures vs. other movements
- Abnormal EEG
Associated Findings: Occur in 20-80% of children
- Drooling, chewing/mouthing behaviors
- Sensitive to outdoor and indoor temperatures
- If too warm, may be irritable and more active. Skin gets warm.
- Abnormal sleep/wake cycle and less need for sleep
- Fascination with water, crinkly items, papers, and plastic
- May eat nonfood items
- Apparent increased appetite
- High interest in food may lead to obesity
- Infants and young children may have feeding problems and children with Angelman are often thin and have low subcutaneous fat
- May be due to poor oral-motor coordination
- May have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- By late childhood, obesity can develop
- May occur with age when less mobile and active
- Ensure activity to help curb obesity
- Exercises and activities to help prevent scoliosis may be a part of their physical therapy plan
- Some children may have alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care, to assist in the treatment of their scoliosis
- May require a regular laxative
- Sensitive to sun - wear sun protection