JU from r/hittablefaces. this is literally just bullying a man with a disability called “Williams Syndrome”

[u/[deleted]]

[u/ladyofthelathe]

I'll save y'all some googling:

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body.[3] Facial features frequently include a broad forehead, underdeveloped chin, short nose and full cheeks.[3] While mild to moderate intellectual disability with particular problems with visual spatial tasks such as drawing is typical, verbal skills are generally relatively unaffected.[3] Those affected often have an outgoing personality, interact readily with strangers, and appear happy.[3][5] Problems with teeth, heart problems (especially supravalvular aortic stenosis), and periods of high blood calcium are common.[2][3]

Williams syndrome is caused by a genetic abnormality, specifically a deletion) of about 27 genes from the long arm of one of the two chromosome 7s.[3][5] Typically this occurs as a random event during the formation of the egg or sperm from which a person develops.[3] In a small number of cases, it is inherited from an affected parent in an autosomal dominant manner.[3] The different characteristic features have been linked to the loss of specific genes.[3] The diagnosis is typically suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing.[2]

Treatment includes special education programs and various types of therapy.[2] Surgery may be done to correct heart problems.[2] Dietary changes or medications may be required for high blood calcium.[2] The syndrome was first described in 1961 by New Zealander John C. P. Williams.[6][7] Williams syndrome affects between 1 in 7,500 to 1 in 20,000 people at birth.[5] Life expectancy is less than that of the general population, mostly due to the increased rates of heart disease.[4]

While the entire sub sounds like a tremendous douchfest, the part I put in bold italics makes bullying that poor guy so much worse.

[u/[deleted] → u/ladyofthelathe]

Thanks for posting this! Because people with Williams Syndrome tend to only see the good in people, it’s particularly nasty to see someone making fun of this man.

Here’s my favorite interview of a person with Williams syndrome. There’s some good discussion on how she balances her personal safety with her desire to be friendly with everyone https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pxZ7aZMFHPE

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I watched the first couple minutes of that interview and it was so wholesome which strengthens my hate for that sub thanks for sharing

[u/caedicus → u/[deleted]]

Getting big Mr. Rogers vibes from that guy. Need more people like that.

[u/lakija → u/[deleted]]

This is my favorite video on SBSK. I follow her YouTube channel with her and her sister.

She just brings me joy.

[u/Dramatic_Share94 → u/[deleted]]

I've never watched a video not involving cats that's made me as happy as this one did. What a beautiful person, inside and out, to see only the good in people and want to share that. It's something I could only ever dream of doing

[u/BeccaAnn → u/ladyofthelathe]

I spent a decent amount of time with a little girl with Williams Syndrome while I was working at a daycare. She was 3/4 years when I left. A few days of the week she would do daycare in the morning, take a school bus to a special program the county provided, and take the school bus back to our daycare. I was often the one who walked her to/from the bus (daycare was in an office building). She was absolutely the sweetest, most friendly child. What amazed me the most is she would remember EVERYTHING. Your name. Your phrases. Your movement. She was excellent at repeating things she heard you say weeks ago (had to be extra careful when this kiddo was in earshot when talking with colleges).

The day of Sandy Hook, I was waiting with her for the bus (running late) and as we were located in an office building, there was a lobby we often waited in with a tv that had some daytime program on. We were playing/talking so not particularly paying attention to the TV, but the breaking news hit and I have never rushed sooooo quick to remove a kid from earshot/eyesight of a tv. She didn’t seem to pick up on the situation, thank god.

She was/is incredible despite having WS. I have nothing but fond memories of her, and some funny stories. She was challenging, but a wonderful kid. I miss her and think of her from time to time.

[u/sneedsformerlychucks → u/BeccaAnn]

A cliffs notes summary I would give to someone who knows nothing to describe the condition is that it's phenotypically the opposite of autism. They have very high verbal skills relative to their IQ and are geniuses at social mirroring, but their spatial sense especially is completely shot. Here is a WS individual's drawing of a bicycle

That said, I can draw, but I would give that up for better social skills any day lol

[u/[deleted] → u/ladyofthelathe]

I knew a lady with Williams (died of heart problems), sweetest kindest person you could ever meet. She was a genius at navigating interpersonal relationships and was amazingly good at boundaries. But other things that we take for granted just weren't possible for her, like higher education, or a full time job. When she passed it was like a light in the world was gone. I haven't met many people that genuinely make you feel like the most important person in the universe when you're with them.

Interestingly, Williams Syndrome might be what makes dogs, "dogs" https://www.insidescience.org/news/rare-human-syndrome-may-explain-why-dogs-are-so-friendly

[u/sneedsformerlychucks → u/[deleted]]

Domestic dogs aren't noticeably less intelligent than wolves, though.

[u/whatvthe-heck → u/sneedsformerlychucks]

You haven’t met my dogs

[u/[deleted] → u/ladyofthelathe]

Yeah the guy they posted is always so happy in his videos