83R534 BPG-D
By: Munoz, Jr. H.R. No. 274
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Williams syndrome affects as many as 30,000 people
across the United States; and
WHEREAS, A developmental disorder, Williams syndrome is
characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability or
learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive
facial features, and cardiovascular problems; it is caused by the
deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome
7; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with the syndrome tend to be outgoing
and take a great interest in other people; they may demonstrate
strengths in some intellectual areas, such as speech, long-term
memory, musical ability, and social skills, while showing weakness
in others, and they are prone to attention deficit disorder,
anxiety issues, or phobias; and
WHEREAS, Frequently, WS brings a form of cardiovascular
disease, supravalvular aortic stenosis, that can become
life-threatening if left untreated; children with the syndrome may
need costly and ongoing medical care, and personalized educational
programs are generally indicated; and
WHEREAS, Struggles with spatial relations, numbers, and
abstract reasoning can make daily tasks challenging, and as adults,
a high percentage of people with WS require supportive housing;
most lead healthy, full, and active lives, contributing to their
communities as volunteers or through employment, but it is vital
that they receive ongoing medical monitoring and supervision to
detect medical problems that may develop over time; and
WHEREAS, Through appropriate care, education, and support,
individuals with Williams syndrome can reach their highest
potential, and early diagnosis greatly increases opportunities to
address health issues as they arise and help children grow to become
happy, productive citizens of the Lone Star State; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby encourage greater awareness of Williams
syndrome and call on all Texans to learn more about this condition.