What is Prader-Willi syndrome?

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is (in the majority of cases) a non-hereditary genetic disorder, due to a lack or change of one or several genes on chromosome 15. The genetic disorder affect some parts of the brain that in turn have impact on development and behavior.

The symptomes often changes due to the child’s age. In early ages low muscle tone and tiredness are common symptoms and when the child becomes older a constant feeling of hunger is one of the most common characteristics. Symptomatic for children with Prader-Willi syndrome is the lack of feeling of satiation and a lower need for calories. Strict eating routines are therefore very important.

As for everyone, the individual differences vary a lot between every single person who has PWS. However, there are some common characteristics for many persons with Prader-Willi syndrome; like short stature, high pain threshold and varying learning disabilities. Among those common characteristics are also things like a positive attitude and an open attitude towards other people.