Prader-Willi Syndrome: A primer for school psychologists.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurogenetic syndrome that results in significant challenges in the school setting, often requiring a myriad of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports to maintain health and safety and academic success. This paper provides a primer for school psychologists, introducing the physiological, educational, and behavioral differences experienced by children with PWS. As the symptoms of PWS are widespread, the impacts of common physical and neurological differences on specific learning abilities, adaptive skills, and overall functioning in the classroom setting are discussed in detail. While PWS is a spectrum, and each child will experience symptoms and challenges differently, this article aims to provide a foundation for the development and facilitation of support services to assist educators in not only maintaining the health and safety of their students with PWS, but also in capitalizing on their strengths, and building a plan to help them succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]