Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a relatively rare condition present at birth and results in intellectual disability (usually severe), as well as a range of other symptoms.

Angelman syndrome may be mistaken for autism because similar symptoms tend to be exhibited, particularly communication and speech difficulties. Sometimes Angelman syndrome and autism are both present.

 

Symptoms and characteristics

Typical symptoms of Angelman syndrome include:

• intellectual disability (severe in most cases)
• delayed motor development and balance difficulties
• speech problems (perhaps no speech)
• jerky, puppet-type movements
• hyperactive behaviour
• happy and social demeanour
• epilepsy occurs in 80 per cent of people with Angelman syndrome
• microcephaly (small head size)

Statistics

Estimates vary, but Angelman syndrome is currently estimated to affect 1 in 20,000 births.

Workplace adjustments and solutions

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• attention and memory
• dealing with stress and psychological demands
• interacting with others
• learning and applying knowledge
• maintaining personal presentation appropriate to the work environment
• self care
• managing attendance
• managing emotions at work
• organisation and planning
• problem solving and decision making
• reading and writing
• speech and language

References

Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc. 2006, Angelman Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Illinois, viewed 3 March 2007, http://www.angelman.org/angel/index.php?id=35

Better Health Channel 2007, Angelman syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 1 March 2007, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Angelman_syndrome?open