Prader-Willi syndrome and Autism

Some individuals with the rare genetic Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) also fall on the autism spectrum. PWS is diagnosed, often at birth, by genetic analysis of a blood sample. Infants and toddlers with PWS are weak and "floppy" with very low muscle tone. Between the ages of 2 and 5, children with PWS tend to rapidly gain weight and can become obsessed with food. Individuals with PWS may also have low normal IQ's and are at risk for learning disabilities.

Some of the behaviors which are common to both PWS and autism are: delays in language and motor development, learning disabilities, feeding problems in infancy, sleep disturbances, skin picking, temper tantrums, and a high pain threshold.

PWS affects approximately 1 in 15,000 people. Most individuals suffering from this disorder are missing a small portion of chromosome 15 which comes from the paternal side of the family. When a small portion of chromosome 15 is missing and comes from the maternal side, the person may suffer from Angelman Syndrome and will have different symptoms.

The most effective form of treatment for people suffering from Prader-Willi syndrome is growth hormone. Children with PWS also benefit from behavioral modification, a monitored and high-quality diet, and a rich and stimulating environment. Whether or not a given child with PWS has autism, he or she will likely benefit from many of the therapies associated with autism such as speech therapy, visual schedules, and sensory integration therapy.

For more information about Autism, please visit the Autism Research Institute or for information on the latest treatments, visit Healing Thresholds.