Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST)

The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) is an all voluntary organization of families and professionals dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman syndrome and related disorders through the funding of research, education, and advocacy. FAST’s goal is to bring practical treatment into current medical practice as quickly as possible and to fund grants that will lead to additional research support from government agencies and other funding sources. Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic neurological disorder characterized by global developmental delays, learning disabilities, and severe speech impairment. Other symptoms include an inability to coordinate voluntary movements (ataxia) and tremulous, jerky movements of the arms and legs; a distinct behavioral pattern characterized by a happy disposition and unprovoked episodes of laughter and smiling, often at inappropriate times; seizures, sleep disorders and feeding difficulties. Some affected children may have distinctive facial features.