Parents of children with Angelman syndrome describe their child's likes and dislikes.
Mood and Interest in Angelman Syndrome
Although individuals with Angelman syndrome show high levels of smiling and laughing behaviour, it is hard to say whether or not this actually reflects the individual feeling happy and to what extent. This is hard concept to research due to certain research methods, such as an individual reporting about feelings, being restricted because of impairments in expressive language or reduced insight. However, research has shown that, in comparison to other genetic syndromes with intellectual disability, individuals with Angelman syndrome show excessive positive affect.
Individuals with Angelman syndrome had the highest levels of positive affect compared to the six other syndrome groups in one study.
Around 14% of children and 18% of adults with Angelman syndrome show levels of positive emotion that may be considered ‘excessively high’. In the research study that looked at this, no individuals showed negative emotion, however this is not to say that it does not occur in a few individuals.
Although research is still ongoing for age-related changes in mood in Angelman syndrome, initial reports seem to suggest that there are no changes in mood with age.
Interest in Angelman syndrome
Individuals with Angelman syndrome are often reported to have a fascination with water and shiny/reflective objects, the prevalence of which is around 14%. Research has also found that individuals with Angelman syndrome show this preference for water-related objects/activities relative to other activities and individuals without Angelman syndrome. This may be related to sensory processing in the syndrome.
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Oliver et al (2007) - Expression of affect in Angelman syndrome (Original research article)