Williams Syndrome: A Social Surplus

In our previous post, we touched on the profound social capabilities of the Williams population: 

Williams people tend to talk a lot, and with pretty much anyone. They appear to truly lack social fear; indeed, brain scans have shown that the amygdala (the area in the brain that processes fear) shows no reaction when a person with Williams views angry or worried faces. Seemingly, they perceive all faces as friendly.

This is what we will be talking about in today's post. 

In a New York Times article from 2007 entitled "The Gregarious Brain," David Dobbs articulates a particularly touching story:

The mother of twin Williams boys in their late teens opened her door to find on her stoop a leather-clad biker, motorcycle parked at the curb, asking for her sons. The boys had made the biker’s acquaintance via C.B. radio and invited him to come by, but they forgot to tell Mom. The biker visited for a spell. Fascinated with how the twins talked about their condition, the biker asked them to speak at his motorcycle club’s next meeting. They did. They told the group of the genetic accident underlying Williams, the heart and vascular problems that eventually kill many who have it, their intense enjoyment of talk, music and story, their frustration in trying to make friends, the slights and cruelties they suffered growing up, their difficulty understanding the world. When they finished, most of the bikers were in tears.

These sort of touching experiences are common among people with Williams Syndrome. Everyone should become aware of Williams Syndrome and the amazing stories that are made possible, in part, by it.

When a person with Williams Syndrome talks, it is as if they are opening their heart; their innocence shines through in whatever they say.

During our interview with a local high school student named Garrison Hagler, he made multiple speeches professing his thanks to us.  In fact, at a recent orchestra concert, he made a speech, complimenting and encouraging the orchestra students about the work they put into the performance.  Every speech was very heartfelt, with a lot of emotion behind it.  Take a look: