Cardiologist
(Cardiovascular Program at Children's)

Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in conditions of the heart and vascular system. They can evaluate the presence or extent of cardiovascular compromise by listening carefully to heart sounds, performing an ultrasound for the heart (echocardiogram), and measuring blood pressure (both arms) and femoral pulses.  In the role of medical director for the Williams syndrome clinic program, the pediatric cardiologist will also provide a full medical examine for your visit, including lab tests such as thyroid function and calcium levels.

Geneticist/Genetic Counselor

A geneticist and/or a genetic counselor (specialists in congenital and inherited disorders) might be helpful in establishing a diagnosis, offering chromosomal analysis and/or FISH testing, coordinating care, providing emotional support, keeping parents up to date with the latest medical information, assessing recurrence risk and prenatal diagnosis.

Behavioral psychologist
(Dept of Developmental Medicine at Children's)

A behavioral psychologist can assess to what degree a child fits the unique cognitive and behavioral profile associated with Williams syndrome and assist in the definition of an appropriate treatment strategy. Behavioral problems may include hypersensitivity to sound, sleep problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety. Overfriendliness and an empathetic nature are commonly observed.

Psychologist
(Dept of Developmental Medicine at Children's)

A psychologist can provide psychological testing to assist with the development of an early intervention or individual education plan, determine school readiness, assess developmental and psychoeducational status, identify the presence or extent of developmental abnormalities, areas of neurobehavioral dysfunction, and/or whether a neuropsychological issue may be an underlying problem. They can provide formal evaluation for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, or both and discuss treatment options.

Psychopharmacologist
(Dept of Developmental Medicine at Children's)

The Williams Syndrome team psychopharmacologist is a developmental pediatrician who specializes in the use of medication to address emotional or behavioral difficulties, particularly for children with developmental disabilities. Working in close collaboration with the rest of the multidisciplinary team, this provider can suggest medication strategies and/or modifications for reducing and managing psychological and behavioral problems.

GI Specialist and Nutritionist
(Growth and Nutrition page at Children's)

Children with feeding difficulties, hypercalcemia and/or other gastroenterology issues may benefit from an evaluation and/or assistance from a gastroenterologist, developmental pediatrician and/or feeding specialist. Feeding issues can include GE reflux, refusal, disordered suck or swallow, vomiting, colic or growth concerns. Hypercalemia can contribute to the presence of extreme irritability, vomiting, constipation, and/or muscle cramps.

Audiologist
(Audiology Program at Children's)

An audiologist can evaluate and help manage various degrees of hearing loss. Audiologists conduct diagnostic tests to assess hearing disorders, provide guidance to families of children with hearing loss, and recommend appropriate care for hearing loss. Audiology works closely with the pediatric otolaryngology service. An audiologist has a master's or doctoral degree in Audiology.

Dentistry
(Dentistry at Children's)

Pediatric Dentists work with families to ensure the oral health of children providing comprehensive dental care, teaching children the importance of good oral health care, and providing the means to achieve it.

Occupational Therapist
(Occupational Therapy at Children's)

Occupational therapists use purposeful everyday activity to help children with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges integrate new life and play skills. Evaluating developmental and neuromuscular problems (including sensory integration), they can plan treatment activities that will help children grow mentally, socially, and physically. They also can recommend changes in layout and design of the home, school, or workplace to allow persons with injuries or disabilities greater access and mobility.

Physical therapist
(Physical Therapy at Children's)

The physical therapist sees children with Williams syndrome in our program as part of the team evaluation and also sees them for separate visits. The emphasis is on development of gross motor skills and function in everyday activities in relation to posture and movement. Since flexibility, balance, strength, motor learning and coordination may be affected by the syndrome in varying degrees, these areas are emphasized both in evaluation and treatment and treatment programs. In our clinical experience, intervention that emphasizes anticipatory guidance and physical fitness through parent and patient education is very important.

Throughout infancy and childhood and beyond, supplemental recreational programs and activities based upon the family’s life style as well as the interests of the individual with Williams syndrome are very effective.

Speech-Language Pathologist
(Speech & Language Pathology at Children's)

Speech-language pathologists provide assessment of language, pragmatics, play skills, articulation, fluency, voice, resonance, oral motor skills, feeding, and swallowing.  Using a variety of therapeutic methods, such as group speech/language therapy and psychotherapy, they can help enable children to maximize their communicative abilities. The Speech-language Pathologist only provides assessment with recommendations for intervention.  Therapy is not provided as part of the WS team.  Families may set up appointments separately with the pathologist.

Communication Enhancement Center
 

The Communication Enhancement Center (CEC) at Children's Hospital Boston provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for children and adults with congenital or acquired disorders affecting hearing, voice, and speech. Using a variety of assistive technologies, the CEC strives to meet the communication needs of individuals who visit the center.

Opthalmology
(Department of Ophthalmology at Children's)

An ophthalmologist ia a specialist who provides diagnosis and treat a variety of eye diseases and vision problems in children and adolescents.

Additional Specialists

Speak the the Williams Syndrome Clinic coordinator about additional specialists at Children's Hospital.

Katie Scarpelli 1-617-355-5429