Motor Characteristics of Early Walking Children with Williams Syndrome Research

A journal article, led by Gloria Yoshkova and published in April 2026, examines motor characteristics of first unsupported walking in toddlers with Williams syndrome (WS) compared to neurotypical peers.

The study found that children with WS began walking independently significantly later than their neurotypical peers. Despite this, their overall walking quality was broadly similar, with only subtle differences in movement patterns, including slightly more out-toeing. Children with WS also showed greater walking symmetry, although this difference was no longer significant when age was considered.

These results highlight the importance of closely examining early motor development, as subtle differences in movement may be linked to later difficulties and could help inform targeted interventions and provide insight into how motor skills develop.

The full paper is available through Research Gate: Yoshkova, G. K., Moss, J., & Farran, E. K. (2026). Motor characteristics of early walking in children with Williams syndrome. Perceptual and Motor Skills. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125261439975