A LECTURER from Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has developed a new learning resource for young learners with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can bring on moderate delays in cognitive development or learning difficulties.
Dr Fionnuala Tynan, a lecturer in inclusive methodologies at MIC, recently published My Own Williams Learning, a book designed to support young learners with Williams syndrome and help them understand how their condition can impact their learning style.
Williams syndrome is known to impact as few as one in 20,000 people. Cardiovascular disease is also linked with the rare condition, as well as high levels of anxiety and abnormalities in connective tissue (including joint problems and loose skin).
My Own Williams Learning is a collaboration between Dr Tynan and Dr Jo Van Herwegen from University College London and is based on research developed through focus-group discussions and interviews with young Williams syndrome learners.
The reader-friendly learning resource contains a number of exercises aimed at helping children with Williams syndrome understand their condition, including tips for coping with strong emotions and how to navigate social interactions.
Dr Tynan, who has a brother diagnosed with William syndrome, is passionate about the inclusion of individuals with the condition and cites a gap in educational provision as a driving factor in co-authoring the book.
“This is one of the most exciting research projects in which I have been involved. It proves, once again that children are worthy and valuable research collaborators. Children with Williams syndrome can, and have, explained what they need to be better learners. They have shared their learning stories and will now help generations of children to be better learners,” Dr Tynan said.
My Own Williams Learning is currently available for free on williams-syndrome.org
