Language development in Williams syndrome: A case study

The present study focuses on the first stages of linguistic development of an Italian girl with Williams Syndrome (WS), followed longitudinally through weekly observations from age 2:6 to age 4:10, and systematically tested every two months. In all three areas of language considered-vocabulary, morphology, and syntax-some similarities but also some interesting differences with respect to normal development were noted. In particular the WS child did not seem to master certain aspects of Italian morphology and syntax and her production varied widely depending on context. Our data confirm a delayed and partially atypical profile of language development in WS subjects.