Williams Syndrome Program

A new Multidisciplinary Williams Syndrome Clinic has opened in Columbus, Ohio.  This Williams Syndrome Clinic is a joint effort of The Ohio State University’s  Nisonger Center (a University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  The multidisciplinary clinic offers specialized evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with Williams syndrome.  The specialists involved include a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, Behavioral Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Speech/Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Physical Therapist.  Involvement with Genetics, Cardiology, and Audiology will be coordinated as necessary for each family. 

If you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Sherry Feinstein at (614) 247-7190 or e-mail her at sherry.feinstein@osumc.edu.

 

Research Study Opportunities! Click here for more information.

 

Quick Links: Regional Conference || Conference for Health Professionals || Photo Gallery

 

Fall Party 2009

The Williams Syndrome Fall party on November 4th, 2009 was a huge success! Thirteen individuals with Williams Syndrome attended with their families and traveled to the OSU-Newark campus from all over, including various areas in Ohio and even as far as Kansas!  We decorated Halloween cookies, pumpkins, and picture frames while the DJ played our favorite music.  Everybody brought a dish to share and we enjoyed our food while discussing our own experiences with Williams Syndrome.  Parents were able to review research topics regarding Williams Syndrome and sign up to receive published articles. This party was a great way for individuals with William Syndrome to make friends and a great time was had by all. Thanks to all who attended! *Click here for pictures from the party in our Photo Gallery*

 

Williams Syndrome Regional Conference

The 2007 Williams Syndrome Great Lakes Regional Conference was held on Saturday, Sept. 29th, 2007 in Columbus at the Holiday Inn Ft. Rapids Waterpark Resort.   We had a fantastic turnout, with over 200 people attending the conference!  The children with WS and their siblings were looked after by 23 phenomenal childcare workers, most of whom are graduate students at Ohio State University.  While the children were splashing in the waterpark and the adults with Williams syndrome were “chilling” in the lounge and gameroom, the parents were learning and sharing ideas with our incredibly knowledgeable guest speakers.  The guest speakers included Dr. Carolyn Mervis, Dr. Colleen Morris and Dr. Paige Kaplan, who are all internationally recognized experts in Williams syndrome.   We were also thrilled to have Dr. Annemarie Sommer, from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus), join us on the WS panel.  Additional expertise came from Dr. Tom Fish and Dr. Margo Izzo from the Nisonger Center, David Zwyer, Director of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Michelle Self, Advocacy Specialist, Lisa Portune, Great Lakes Regional Chair, and Tonya Corso, Music Therapist.  The topics included up-to-date information on guardianship, medical issues, genetics, developmental issues, gynecological concerns, sibling concerns, music therapy options, and education and transition supports.  We were also very happy to have an update on the Williams Syndrome Association by Terry Monkaba, the Executive Director of the Association.  Thanks to all who attended and enjoy the slideshow below!

If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Marilee Martens at (614) 688-3112 or e-mail her at martens.22@osu.edu.

 

Wililams Syndrome Medical Conference

Over 40 healthcare professionals attended the Williams Syndrome Medical Conference on Friday, Sept. 28th, 2007 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.  We were fortunate to have an outstanding panel of speakers, each internationally known in the field of Williams syndrome:

Genetics of Williams syndrome: Colleen A. Morris, M.D., Chief, Genetics Division, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Medical Issues Associated with Williams syndrome: Paige Kaplan, M.D., Professor of Mitochondrial and Metabolic Diseases, Biochemical Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Anxiety and Mental Health Issues in Individuals with Williams syndrome: Elisabeth M. Dykens, Ph.D., Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities, Professor, Psychology and Human, Development, Vanderbilt University.

Cognitive and Language Development in Children with Williams syndrome: Carolyn B. Mervis, Ph.D., Distinguished University Scholar, Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville.

If you would like any more information regarding the Medical Conference, please contact Dr. Marilee Martens at martens.22@osu.edu or (614) 688-3112.

Williams Syndrome Photo Gallery