Angelman Syndrome
Exceptionality Report: Angelman Syndrome
The Exceptional Child
Andrea Gamber-Smith
Dr. Harry Angelman discovered the disease that came to share his name, Angelman Syndrome in 1965. Angelman syndrome is impossible to diagnose until approximately the age of three to seven when symptoms become evident. The features of Angelman’s syndrome include a stiff body, little or no speech, constant giggling or laughter, and an easily excitable personality. There are other characteristics that can be present as well such as the child’s tongue staying out of the mouth and hyperactivity, although these traits do not appear as often. While this disease is typically rare, it most often occurs in Caucasians who lack a genetic molecule on the 15th chromosome. In 50% of the cases it is a direct genetic link while in the other 50% it is the result of what is called a spontaneous mutation. There exists no cure, medicine, or surgery that can help a person who has Angelman syndrome. The body progresses normally through life without a shortened lifespan. The only evidence of the disease rests in the small usage of language, being a maximum of ten words, the stiff body, cognitive delay, and unsubstantiated happiness and laughter. There do exist many methods for accommodating a child with Angelman Syndrome in the classroom. Because speech development is very delayed alternatives to verbal communication need to be practiced continually through life. With speech therapy and the use of storyboards and picture cards, a person with this disease can communicate effectively with time and dedication. Sign Language is not an option because of the low amount of control over motor skills. This physical delay requires special therapy involving exercises and strengthening routines. Occupational therapy can increase the range of fine motor skills as well. In the classroom there are also environmental accommodations
The Exceptional Child
Andrea Gamber-Smith
Dr. Harry Angelman discovered the disease that came to share his name, Angelman Syndrome in 1965. Angelman syndrome is impossible to diagnose until approximately the age of three to seven when symptoms become evident. The features of Angelman’s syndrome include a stiff body, little or no speech, constant giggling or laughter, and an easily excitable personality. There are other characteristics that can be present as well such as the child’s tongue staying out of the mouth and hyperactivity, although these traits do not appear as often. While this disease is typically rare, it most often occurs in Caucasians who lack a genetic molecule on the 15th chromosome. In 50% of the cases it is a direct genetic link while in the other 50% it is the result of what is called a spontaneous mutation. There exists no cure, medicine, or surgery that can help a person who has Angelman syndrome. The body progresses normally through life without a shortened lifespan. The only evidence of the disease rests in the small usage of language, being a maximum of ten words, the stiff body, cognitive delay, and unsubstantiated happiness and laughter. There do exist many methods for accommodating a child with Angelman Syndrome in the classroom. Because speech development is very delayed alternatives to verbal communication need to be practiced continually through life. With speech therapy and the use of storyboards and picture cards, a person with this disease can communicate effectively with time and dedication. Sign Language is not an option because of the low amount of control over motor skills. This physical delay requires special therapy involving exercises and strengthening routines. Occupational therapy can increase the range of fine motor skills as well. In the classroom there are also environmental accommodations