The Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music.

Using a weighted blanket can comfort someone with Williams Syndrome by replicating deep pressure touch stimulation. Mosaic Weighted Blankets® are made with weights and high-quality fabric to relax the users as if they were being held by a loved one.

Productivity and daily functioning tend to become an issue when someone with Willams Syndrome has difficulty getting much-needed restorative sleep. Without recuperative rest, a sufferer’s daytime hours can be plagued with emotional stress, loss of productivity, and fatigue.

Mosaic Weighted Blankets®soothe the spirit and body by encouraging serotonin production. When serotonin breaks down and changes to melatonin, our bodies respond by gently falling into a deep, restful sleep. Maintaining sleep for the entire night is healthy for everyone involved and makes the daytime occurrences easier to deal with.

WS affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States. It is known to occur equally in both males and females and in every culture.

Unlike disorders that can make connecting with your child difficult, children with WS tend to be social, friendly and endearing.  Parents often say the joy and perspective a child with WS brings into their lives had been unimaginable. But there are major struggles as well. Many babies have life-threatening cardiovascular problems. Children with WS need costly and ongoing medical care, and early interventions (such as speech or occupational therapy) that may not be covered by insurance or state funding.

As they grow, they struggle with things like spatial relations, numbers and abstract reasoning, which can make daily tasks a challenge. And as adults, most people with WS need supportive housing to live to their fullest potential. Many adults with WS contribute to their communities as volunteers or paid employees, for example, working at senior homes and libraries or as store greeters or veterinary aides.