Surprising Moment: My Guardian Angel Mastering the Art of Snapping Fingers

In a heartwarming development, 13-year-old Juliana, who lives with Angelman syndrome, has recently added a new skill to her list of abilities – snapping her fingers. This news was shared excitedly by her 11-year-old sister, Jessa, who ran to the car to break the good news to their mother, Marisa Wexler, MS, the author of this article.

Juliana's new skill, however, is not without its challenges. For instance, keeping her fingers separated is a struggle for Juliana, a difficulty that often hinders her ability to isolate her pointer finger to choose buttons. This challenge is a common issue for individuals with Angelman syndrome, as their fine motor skills, such as grasping and pinching, are often affected.

At school, Juliana has been working diligently to improve her fine motor skills, and her sudden finger-picking was noticed by her teachers. They promptly involved the school counselor and arranged for therapeutic support to address her behaviour. It was later discovered that this finger-picking was a result of Juliana's practice at school, leading to her newfound skill of snapping her fingers.

It is important to note that while this development is a cause for celebration, it does not negate the challenges faced by Juliana and her family. Seizures remain a significant aspect of life for individuals with Angelman syndrome, and the unpredictability and severity of these episodes can be overwhelming.

Angelman Syndrome News, the news and information website about the disease, emphasises that their content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider regarding medical conditions.

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Marisa Wexler, the author of this article, was initially stunned to hear about Juliana's new skill. The snaps are not hard or polished, but they are recognizable as snaps, a testament to Juliana's determination and resilience. This development serves as a reminder that while Angelman syndrome presents many challenges, it does not define the individuals living with it.

In conclusion, while seizures are a significant aspect of life for individuals with Angelman syndrome, there are many unseen challenges that these individuals and their families face. However, stories like Juliana's serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the incredible resilience and determination of those living with Angelman syndrome.