Question by: Susan and Allan Garcia
Could WDS be hereditary and does genetics play a part?
Answer: Yes, in a number of families it is, but has not yet been well researched.

Question by: John Butt
Do the research team have any contact with the original study that Dr Worster-Drought did in the 50's to see how they have developed and also if they have had children with WDS?
Answer: Yes I have seen a member of one of the original families.

Question by: Joanne O'Doherty
Can the panel please advise why a child's ability to process and retain information is affected by WDS and whether short-term memory is affected more severely?
Answer: This is usually because of learning and attention problems

Question by: Martina and Paul Savill
By what age/stage is it obvious the WDS child will definitely not speak?
Answer: 6-7 years

If a submandibular Duct Transposition operation is necessary to ease drooling, before what age it is not advised to do so or does the panel recommend the continuing use of drugs (e.g. Atropine or Robinul) for life?
Answer: No they dry the mouth. Surgery after 6-7 years usually i.e. to wait to see if there is natural improvement

If a WDS/CBPS child regularly chokes on food, is this something that they will grow out of with maturity or just learn to deal with the choking as and when it occurs?
Answer: this needs careful and specialist advice.

Question by: Vanessa Butt
When teaching a child sign language is it best to go for a system that teaches grammar? Or go for a symbol-based system?
Answer: It depends upon the child's stage of communication

With the changes in technology, communication aids are being increasing used for our children, the down side of this is the waiting time for the aid, and the funding process. Have the panel any advice that would help parents get the aid sooner rather than have a very long wait.
Answer: There is a new nationwide scheme, which should speed things.

Question by: Deborah and Richard Holroyd
Have any triggers been suggested for WDS such as drugs e.g. Larium. As opposed to environmental triggers or infection during pregnancy?
Answer: NO

Question by: David Melunsky and Judith Melunsky
Accepting that there are differences in WDS children's abilities, what happens to adults with WDS?
Answer: Very Little is documented but no dramatic change after teens

Question by: Monique Lauder
As our children are getting older the genetics of WDS is becoming more important especially to older siblings who are thinking about children of their own. Is research getting closer to finding an answer regarding the genetic link to WDS?
Answer: I think it will be better in 5-10 years

Question by: Vanessa Butt
One of our families in Europe is being helped to improve tongue movements by having a plate fitted with a metal ball on it to stimulate the tongue. Have the panel heard of this?
Answer: No experience

Question by: Jame and Richard Thorpe
Why do some WDS children who clearly have epilepsy have 'normal' (negative) EEG results?

Answer: Common in epilepsy generally and less likely if have sleep deprived/sleep record

Professor Brian Neville has very briefly answered our questions The group would suggest that if you have any medical concerns that you seek advice from your child's doctors