Angelman Syndrome Support Group

The Angelman Syndrome support group and health community is for parents/caretakers of children with angelman syndrome. Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Characteristic features of this condition include developmental delay or mental retardation, severe speech impairment, seizures, small head size (microcephaly), and problems with movement and balance (ataxia). Delayed development can be noted by 6 months to 12 months of age, and other common signs and symptoms usually become apparent in early childhood. People with Angelman syndrome typically have a happy, excitable demeanor with frequent smiling and laughter, a short attention span, and hand-flapping movements. Some affected individuals also have unusually fair skin and light-colored hair.