Insights on Social Behavior From Studying Williams Syndrome

Abstract

Central to the developmental psychopathology perspective is the claim that studying normal and atypical development are related. In this article, we argue that studying a naturally occurring genetic condition—Williams syndrome—provides insight into social behavior in typically developing children. Toward this end, we describe the social phenotype of Williams syndrome, then offer three insights regarding biological and environmental factors that account for variability in social behavior in individuals who are developing typically and individuals with the syndrome. In so doing, we illuminate genetic, neural, and environmental processes that likely influence typical social development as informed by Williams syndrome.