Yesterday I watched this video and fell in love with the happiness of Ever. Ever can survive on 20 minutes of sleep a day and is always happy due to a neurogenetic disorder commonly called Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome symptoms can include developmental delays, speech impairment (though many find alternative methods to communicate), movement and balance problems, seizures, sleep disorders, and a very happy demeanor. I think being around anyone happy is contagious and watching Ever filled my heart, but of course the other symptoms are worrisome. Most of he foundations and nonprofits out there focus mainly on research and the Angelman Syndrome Foundation does this along with support and education for families and the medical community. Research in this area has been rapid and hopeful with many expecting a cure soon. How soon I don't know, but it has been cured in mice. I wanted to bring this to attention to support Angelman Syndrome but also to talk about it because 50% of cases are originally misdiagnosed as autism, Prader-Wili, cerebral palsy and other disorders. (https://www.angelman.org/what-is-as/diagnosis/) The ASF does provide support to families if you contact them, but they were not available for me to share. This page, https://www.angelman.org/resources-education/, has many resources, including inclusion resources. Ever's mom worries about the general public's acceptance of Ever, and I hope her worries never get reinforced. I hope you find laughter with Ever too.
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