Social Information Processing in Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a distinct social behavior profile characterized by indiscriminate friendliness and willingness to approach and engage with strangers. Yet, persons with WS experience difficulties making and keeping friends, and their atypical social phenotype may place them at risk for exploitation. To date, the reasons for and mechanisms of such hypersocial behavior are not fully understood. This review summarizes the available behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging data examining different stages (from detection to analysis, interpretation, and response) of social information processing in WS. We also outline gaps in the current knowledge and suggest areas for further study.