83R534 BPG-D
 
  By: Munoz, Jr. H.R. No. 274
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Williams syndrome affects as many as 30,000 people
  across the United States; and
         WHEREAS, A developmental disorder, Williams syndrome is
  characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability or
  learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive
  facial features, and cardiovascular problems; it is caused by the
  deletion of genetic material from a specific region of chromosome
  7; and
         WHEREAS, Individuals with the syndrome tend to be outgoing
  and take a great interest in other people; they may demonstrate
  strengths in some intellectual areas, such as speech, long-term
  memory, musical ability, and social skills, while showing weakness
  in others, and they are prone to attention deficit disorder,
  anxiety issues, or phobias; and
         WHEREAS, Frequently, WS brings a form of cardiovascular
  disease, supravalvular aortic stenosis, that can become
  life-threatening if left untreated; children with the syndrome may
  need costly and ongoing medical care, and personalized educational
  programs are generally indicated; and
         WHEREAS, Struggles with spatial relations, numbers, and
  abstract reasoning can make daily tasks challenging, and as adults,
  a high percentage of people with WS require supportive housing;
  most lead healthy, full, and active lives, contributing to their
  communities as volunteers or through employment, but it is vital
  that they receive ongoing medical monitoring and supervision to
  detect medical problems that may develop over time; and
         WHEREAS, Through appropriate care, education, and support,
  individuals with Williams syndrome can reach their highest
  potential, and early diagnosis greatly increases opportunities to
  address health issues as they arise and help children grow to become
  happy, productive citizens of the Lone Star State; now, therefore,
  be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
  Legislature hereby encourage greater awareness of Williams
  syndrome and call on all Texans to learn more about this condition.