The Mayor: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome, with Josh Duffy

"First discovered by John C.P. Williams of New Zealand in 1961, Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Burnham Syndrome, is a result of a deletion of a specific region on chromosome number seven, containing 26 to 28 genes. Approximately one in 10,000 births are affected by this spontaneous gene deletion."

"Williams is associated with both mental and physical traits, including extroverted personalities, a broad forehead, heart defects, sensitivity to light and sound and, among others, an affinity for music."

"More recently, there have been studies to indicate that domestic dogs may have the same genetic marker as people with Williams syndrome."

"Dogs will come and greet a person and greet them again and continue to greet them. Whether or not that person is reciprocating that affection and in some cases, they'll be just as enthusiastic with strangers as they are with their own owners."

"And so what we found is that actually corresponds to some of these genetic regions. This is really exciting because it suggests that there might be this common mechanism between some of these developmental delays that we've seen in humans, especially with Williams-Burnham syndrome and it's incredibly pro-social behavior that makes dogs unique."

"According to Duffy, explaining the disorder and the impacts it has had on his life is difficult. Duffy said he has grappled with loneliness at times, and another challenge he has faced is not having a marriage or children. Music and dancing play an integral part in his life, Duffy said, although he also struggles with sensory issues."

"Josh Duffy – Self"