Families & Caregivers
Therapies for Angelman Syndrome
This page is a summary of common therapies (also called therapy services) for Angelman syndrome, which include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy. If you are looking for information on therapeutics or drug development in Angelman syndrome, check out the Drug Development Pipeline.
The summaries contained in these pages are based upon the consensus guidelines discussed below and have been reviewed by therapists with expertise in AS. However, the information provided in these pages does not constitute medical advice; you should always consult your loved one's medical team regarding the appropriate therapies for your loved one.
Why Are Therapies Important for Angelman Syndrome?
Angelman syndrome causes developmental delays, difficulties with motor skills like walking, and difficulties with communication. Therapies are considered a key part of care for individuals living with Angelman syndrome (AS), to maximize abilities and improve quality of life. It is generally recommended that every individual living with AS should receive therapies, but the exact type of therapy and how that therapy is conducted vary from person to person and location to location.
Experts in AS developed a set of guidelines for AS care in 2022, in a medical paper called “A multidisciplinary approach and consensus statement to establish standards of care for Angelman syndrome”. This consensus statement recommends that physical, occupational, and speech therapy should be initiated at the time of diagnosis (if not already underway), and behavioral therapy should be considered starting at 1-3 years of age. The statement recommends that these therapies generally continue throughout the lifetime of the individual living with AS.
Early Intervention and Therapy Access
In children, therapies are often provided through early intervention services and through the educational system. In the United States, therapies through early intervention services are available to children birth to age 3 years. Each state has its own program to evaluate for and provide these therapies. A list of each state’s early intervention resources is maintained by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA. Once children are age 3 years, the therapies are typically transitioned into the school district. Some families also obtain therapies through hospitals or clinics.
For more information about therapies in Angelman syndrome and what was recommended in the consensus paper, please see each specific therapy type below: