Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Amanda Niszczot Riemersma, whose twins have Williams syndrome. They had respiratory problems, and after looking at them, the cardiologist said he thought they had Williams syndrome caused by the deletion of the elastin gene. AdvertisementAll I saw were the negatives: the health abnormalities, such as heart problems, and also potentially with their eyes, teeth, kidneys, and bowels. People with Williams syndrome can have mild to moderate intellectual disability. AdvertisementThose with Williams syndrome commonly have extremely outgoing personalities, unrelentingly happy dispositions, an unending openness to engaging with others, very little social inhibition, excellent linguistic skills, and a natural intuitiveness and empathy.

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Persons: —, Amanda Niszczot Riemersma, Williams, Mason, stupidly, Jordan, I'm Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Jordan, Newcastle, Australia