A research update by Dr Maria Clark.
This was taken from an indepth research
project undertaken on behalf of 100 cases of
WDS known to Great Ormond Street and 40
children involved in an ongoing study.

What is WDS and how does it show itself?
Congenital Pseudobulbar Paresis
Facial Features are varied
Expressive speech problems occur
Dribbling is common place
Glue Ear
Gastro-Oesophagael reflux
Aspiration
Poor Nutrition
Movement can be a problem
Learning difficulties
Birth anomalies
Behaviour problems
Epilepsy
Eye movements
Feeding difficulties

How to look out for WDS
Condition often not recognised / more awareness is needed
Unlike other children’s major speech and feeding problems
Multiple needs can compound difficulties
Long term difficulties
Complex multi-disciplinary support

Understanding of Causes
Oral features
Other impairments
Birth anomalies
Genetics (20%)
Rarely underlying chromosomal abnormalities

How do we investigate WDS?
Brina imaging
Muscle
Eye movements