Developmental delays in Williams ("Elfin facies") syndrome

This study reports the results of psychological and physical characteristics of seven children with Williams syndrome. All subjects were found to be borderline to severely mentally retarded. The previously reported pattern of superior verbal abilities over motor abilities was not supported, nor was there any evidence of an "unusual command" of language, usually considered a marker of the syndrome. The early development profiles of these children are important for parental counseling and planning of early intervention stimulation programs.