Williams Syndrome - Tumblr Posts
Since he was 5, Tobi Akbas has been nicknamed "the Mayor" in the affluent suburb of Garrison, New York, where he lives. When his mom would take him to the supermarket, he would say hi to every person they saw. In high school, he'd wait in front of the school building to greet students as they arrived.
Now 22, Tobi still craves human connection like oxygen. He's the unofficial ambassador of a Garrison volunteer firefighting squad, handing out candy canes at the annual Santa Run. He posts motivational "Tobi tips" online — as well as sharing them with anyone who asks.
(via Williams Syndrome: the Joy and Sadness of Loving Strangers)
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, cardiovascular problems, developmental delays, and a unique cognitive profile. It is caused by the deletion of genetic material from chromosome 7, specifically a region known as 7q11.23. This deletion affects multiple genes and can lead to various physical and cognitive symptoms.
Individuals with Williams syndrome typically have a friendly and sociable personality, often displaying strong language and music abilities. However, they may also experience challenges in areas such as spatial relations, motor skills, and certain aspects of visual-spatial processing. People with Williams syndrome often have an affinity for music and may show an unusual level of empathy and social interest.