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Angelman syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by severe congenital mental retardation, unusual facial appearance, and muscular abnormalities. Symptoms include unstable jerky gait, hand flapping, unusually happy demeanor, developmental delay, lack of or diminished speech, and microcephaly (small head). Epilepsy may develop in the early years of life, however it may decrease with age. Patients may also have balance problems.

There is no standard course of treatment for Angelman syndrome. Physical therapy and adaptive devices may help patients with jerky gait. Early language evaluation and intervention is often recommended. Anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed for epilepsy.

Most individuals with Angelman syndrome will have mental delay, severe speech limitations, and some type of gait abnormality. Patients may have improvement of symptoms with therapy.

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From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke, National Institutes of Health

• The Facts About Angelman Syndrome (by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Inc.)
  Angelman Syndrome Foundation: Home A brief explanation of Angelman Syndrome.
   

• Angelman Syndrome
  Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
  http://www.autism.org/angel.html
  Angelman Syndrome is not considered a subtype of autism, but individuals suffering from this disorder exhibit many behaviors characteristic of autism. They are also sometimes given a secondary diagnosis of autism.

• Army of Angels
  http://www.armyofangels.org/
  This site is here to do one of many small parts towards making the general public more aware of Angelman Syndrome in particular and genetic disorders in general. It is hoped that you will leave this site with a little more understanding of what Angelman Syndrome is and what you, a member of the global community, can help to do about it.

• A Parents Brochure for Parents
  http://www.armyofangels.org/angelessay.html
  Practical advice from a parent.

• Touched by an Angel
  http://www.angelman.org/angel/
   

• Angeland

  http://www.angeland.org/Angeland_Home.html

  Welcome to Angeland. This is a place for brothers and sisters of kids with Angelman Syndrome to come and play. Stephanie Briggs and her mother have worked hard to make sure you have fun. You can learn more about Stephanie and other brothers and sisters later.
   

• Disorder Zone - Angelman Syndrome

  http://www.specialchild.com/archives/dz-001.html
   

• NINDS Angelman Syndrome Information Page
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/angelman.htm
  From the: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

• Gene Reviews - Angelman Syndrome

  http://www.geneclinics.org/profiles/angelman/

  Includes a summary, diagnosis information, clinical description, differential diagnosis, management, genetic counseling, molecular genetics, resources, references, and author information.
   

• THE GENES INVOLVED IN PRADER-WILLI AND ANGELMAN SYNDROMES

  http://zygote.swarthmore.edu/chrom3a.html

   

• How Do You Test for Angelman Syndrome?
  http://www.armyofangels.org/angeltest.htm
  This is a list of the five most common methods of testing for Angelman
  Syndrome.

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Last modified: January 03, 2008