Symptoms

Angelman syndrome signs and symptoms include:

• Developmental delays, including no crawling or babbling at 6 to 12 months
• Intellectual disability
• No speech or minimal speech
• Difficulty walking, moving or balancing well
• Frequent smiling and laughter
• Happy, excitable personality
• Trouble going to sleep and staying asleep

People who have Angelman syndrome may also show the following features:

• Seizures, usually beginning between 2 and 3 years of age
• Stiff or jerky movements
• Small head size, with flatness in the back of the head
• Tongue thrusting
• Hair, skin and eyes that are light in color
• Unusual behaviors, such as hand flapping and arms uplifted while walking
• Sleep problems

When to see a doctor

Most babies with Angelman syndrome don't show signs or symptoms at birth. The first signs of Angelman syndrome are usually developmental delays, such as lack of crawling or babbling, between 6 and 12 months.

If your child seems to have developmental delays or if your child has other signs or symptoms of Angelman syndrome, make an appointment with your child's doctor.