Angelman Syndrome

Angelman Syndrome

By McKaila Sauer

Angelman Syndrome​

​What is it?

​It is a genetic disorder that causes delayed development and nerve related symptoms. These developmental delays become noticeable when a baby is 6-12 months old and is not reaching developmental milestones.

​

​

retrieved​ from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angelman-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355621#:~:text=Angelman%20syndrome%20is%20a%20genetic,and%20have%20happy%2C%20excitable%20personalities.​

Angrlman Syndrome

​​Characteristics

​Tremors and jerky gait, Developmental delay, Severe language impairment, Very happy mood, Possible seizure disorder​​

​

Functional Implications ​

​Delays in fine and gross motor including walking, severely delayed self-care skills, inability to speak verbally but can use alternative communication, sleep disorders, sensory processing problems, behavior problems such as biting, hair pulling, screaming.

​retrieved​ from Jane, S.J. O. (2016). Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants (5th Edition). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780323610278

Angelman syndrome​

​Prognosis

​

​ A person with Angelman syndrome will have a near-normal life expectancy, but they will need support throughout their life.

retrieved​ from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angelman-syndrome/

Angelman Syndrome ​

​What can OT do?​

• Help develop fine motor and gross motor skills

• Help develop oral motor function and feeding skills so children can feed themselves and use their lips, tongue, and cheeks to move food in their mouths and chew properly.

• Introduce habits to complete self-care activities.

• Work on visual perception and sensory integration.

retrieved​ from Occupational Therapy for Angelman Syndrome - Angelman Syndrome News

• ​Behavioral problems

• Sensory processing problems

• Walking delays

• Use of alternative communnication

​Effects on school & community

• Sleeping disorders

• Delayed walking

• ​Lacking slef-care skills

​

​Effects on home

Angelman Syndrome​

retrieved​ from Jane, S.J. O. (2016). Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants (5th Edition). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780323610278​

​Angelman Syndrome

​Adaptive equipment

• ​pulse oximeter to measure O2

• Communication aids

• Modified toothbrushes and personal care equipment.

Retrieved from Equipment - Angelman Syndrome - Angelman Syndrome (angelmanuk.org)​

Angelman Syndrome

​Other professionals

• ​OTR

• COTA

• PT ​

• Speech ​ language therapist

Retrieved from ​https://euro-therapies.com/how-pediatric-therapy-can-help-children-with-angelman-syndrome/#:~:text=How%20can%20pediatric%20physical%20therapy,%2C%20e.g.%2C%20crawling%20and%20walking.