10 Key Signs of Angelman Syndrome: What Families Need to Watch For

7. Sleep Cycle Disturbances: The Wide-Awake Nights Challenge

Many families navigating Angelman Syndrome face significant sleep-related challenges that can impact the entire household. Individuals often experience markedly disrupted sleep-wake cycles, characterized by reduced total sleep time, frequent and prolonged night wakings, difficulty settling at bedtime, and sometimes early morning rising. These disturbances aren't just a fleeting phase; they can persist throughout life. Understanding these patterns is crucial, prompting discussions with specialists about behavioral interventions, optimizing sleep environments, exploring melatonin supplementation under guidance, or other therapies to improve rest for both the individual and their caregivers.

8. Unique Communication Profile: Understanding Beyond Spoken Words

While expressive verbal language is typically severely limited in Angelman Syndrome, with many individuals speaking fewer than 5-10 words, their receptive language skills (the ability to understand) are often significantly stronger. They frequently excel at non-verbal communication, utilizing gestures, pointing, eye contact, vocalizations, and sometimes formal systems like sign language or picture exchange communication systems (PECS) with remarkable effect. Recognizing and actively fostering these non-verbal strengths is paramount. Therapeutic interventions focus heavily on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to help them express their needs, wants, choices, and vibrant inner worlds.