Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a relatively rare condition present at birth and results in intellectual disability (usually severe), as well as a range of other symptoms.

Angelman syndrome may be mistaken for autism because similar symptoms tend to be exhibited, particularly communication and speech difficulties. Sometimes Angelman syndrome and autism are both present.

Symptoms and characteristics:

Typical symptoms of Angelman syndrome include:

• intellectual disability (severe in most cases)
• delayed motor development and balance difficulties
• speech problems (usually no speech)
• jerky, puppet-type movements
• hyperactive behaviour and short attention span
• happy and social demeanour
• epilepsy occurs in 80 per cent of people with Angelman syndrome
• microcephaly (small head size).

Workplace adjustments and solutions:

In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with angelman syndrome to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:

• organising the work day with set structure and routine
• if possible enable work duties to be done in one area to assist with familiarisation and learning
• use prompts to trigger memory and recall such as alarms, computer alerts, visual prompts, cue cards, task breakdown lists or use of a buddy system
• education for co-workers about the condition, and any information about the person such as how they best communicate, interact or mobilise
• identifying effective communication strategies based on what is used within the home
• consider the use of lifting or mechanical aids such as trolleys to minimise manual handling requirements, along with the use of specialised seating if balance or posture is affected
• for persons also experiencing epilepsy, more specific workplace safety information can be found at:
• Epilepsy

(Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc. 2009; Angelman Syndrome Association 2006; Better Health Channel 2008)

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• attention and memory
• dealing with stress and psychological demands
• interacting with others
• learning and applying knowledge
• maintaining personal presentation appropriate to the work environment
• self care
• managing attendance
• managing emotions at work
• organisation and planning
• problem solving and decision making
• reading and writing
• speech and language

References:

Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc.,2009, Facts About Angelman Syndrome, Angleman Syndrome Foundation Inc., , Illinois, viewed 27 February 2009, <http://www.angelman.org/stay-informed/facts-about-angelman-syndrome/>.

Angelman Syndrome Association 2006, What is AS?, Angelman Syndrome Association Inc. Australia, Sydney, viewed 27 February 2009, <http://www.angelman.org/angel/index.php?id=35>.

Better Health Channel 2008, Angelman syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 27 February 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Angelman_syndrome?open>.

Would you like more information?

• Intellectual disabilities