How is Williams syndrome carried on?

Williams syndrome is caused by a deletion in the elastin gene located on chromosome 7. It is an autosomal dominant condition, which means that only one copy of the affected gene is needed to cause the disorder.

In most cases, Williams syndrome is inherited from a parent who has the condition. However, in about 15% of cases, it occurs as a new mutation, meaning that it is not inherited from either parent.

If a person with Williams syndrome has children, there is a 50% chance that each child will inherit the condition. However, even if a child does not inherit the condition, they may still be a carrier, meaning that they can pass it on to their own children.