Tuesday, 14 April 2026

🧬 GENETIC & NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS MODULE

 



🧬 Angelman Syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the nervous system and brain development.


🧠 Effects

It may include:

  • Severe learning difficulties
  • Limited or no speech
  • Balance and movement difficulties
  • Happy, excitable behaviour in some cases

💡 Key Message

  • It is a genetic condition
  • It affects development and communication
  • It starts before birth
  • Support helps improve quality of life

🧬 Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by changes on chromosome 15.

It affects:

  • Development
  • Appetite regulation
  • Muscle tone
  • Behaviour

🧬 Cause

Prader-Willi syndrome happens due to missing or inactive genes from the father on chromosome 15.

Types of genetic change:

  • Paternal deletion (~70%)
  • Maternal uniparental disomy (~25–30%)
  • Imprinting defect (<5%)

❗ Important Understanding

  • It is NOT caused by parents
  • It happens randomly before birth
  • It is lifelong
  • Symptoms can be managed with support

👶 At Birth

Babies may:

  • Be very floppy (low muscle tone)
  • Have weak crying
  • Have feeding difficulties

🍽️ Childhood Development

As children grow, they may:

  • Feel constant hunger (hyperphagia)
  • Want to eat frequently
  • Struggle with feeling full
  • Need structured food routines

🧠 Other Features

May include:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Behavioural challenges
  • Emotional regulation difficulties

💡 Key Message

Prader-Willi syndrome:

  • Starts before birth
  • Is genetic and random
  • Is not caused by parents
  • Requires lifelong support and structure

🌟 Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome

With support, individuals can:

  • Learn daily skills
  • Live structured lives
  • Improve independence
  • Participate in education and community life

📊 SUMMARY TABLE – PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME

FeatureInformation
ConditionPrader-Willi syndrome
When it happensBefore birth
CauseMissing/inactive paternal genes on chromosome 15
TypesDeletion, UPD, imprinting defect
Inherited?Usually no
Early signsFloppy muscles, weak feeding
Later signsConstant hunger
LifelongYes

🧠 SHARED KEY UNDERSTANDING (ALL CONDITIONS)

💡 Core Message

All genetic syndromes:

  • Begin before birth
  • Are caused by genetic changes
  • Are NOT anyone’s fault
  • Affect people differently

💚 Support Needs May Include

  • Speech and language therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Education support plans
  • Medical monitoring
  • Behavioural and emotional support

🌍 Strengths of Individuals

People may also show:

  • Emotional connection
  • Social engagement
  • Personality strengths
  • Learning potential with support
  • Creativity and unique abilities

💡 Final Message

💚 Every person is different
💚 Diagnosis does not define ability
💚 Support improves outcomes
💚 Understanding reduces stigma
💚 Inclusion matters

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