What is Williams Syndrome?

Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder, caused by an abnormality in
chromosomes, and shows a wide variation in ability from person to person. It is
a non-hereditary syndrome which occurs at random and can effect brain
development in varying degrees, combined with some physical effects or
physical problems. These range from lack of co-ordination, slight muscle
weakness, possible heart defects and occasional kidney damage. Normal
development is generally delayed. The incidence is approximately 1 in 25,000.
 

What is FEWS?

FEWS is the European Federation of Williams Syndrome associations. In 1999
the initiative was taken to start a European Federation. The federation was officially established in 2001 by accepting the constitution.  The constitution was officially published on September 15th 2004 in the 'Moniteur Belge' resulting that FEWS has became an official International Organisation.

Member countries are (with their corresponding home pages):

Belgium  -  Williams-Beuren Syndroom vzw (Dutch speaking)
Germany - Williams-Beuren-Syndrom Bundesverband E.V.
                  Williams-Beuren-Syndrom, Regionalgruppe Bayern-Süd

France - Williams – France

               Autour de Williams

Hungary - Magyar Williams Szindróma Társaság (HWSA)

Ireland - Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland (WSAI)
Italy - Associazione Italiana Sindromo di Williams (AISW)
Norway - Norsk Forening for WS - contact e-mail address
Romania - Asociatia Williams Syndrome

Slovakia - Spolocnost Williamsovho Syndrómu

Spain - Asociación Sindrome  Williams de Espana (A.S.W.E.)
Sweden - Williams Syndrom Foreningen I Sverige
UK - Williams Syndrome Foundation, LTD

The following countries have shown a committed interest or intend to join:
 

Finland - contact e-mail address

Greece - contact e-mail address

Israel - contact e-mail address

Netherlands - Federatie van ouderverenigingen

Switzerland - contact e-mail address