Diagnosis Of Prader-Willi Syndrome

     DNA testing is used to determine whether or not a child has PWS. There are many warning signs that are used to determine if a child should be tested. Some of these signs can even be detected before the child is born, while in the womb.  The following signs are used to determine if a child should be tested:

• Neonatal or childhood Hypotonia (muscle weakness)
• Poor suck from birth to 6-years-old
• Feeding problems during infancy
• Facial features (described in Characteristics)
• Global developmental problems
• Excessive eating and hunger and/or excessive weight gain resulting from it
• Obession with food
• Mild mental retardation
• Behavioral problems (usually outbursts of anger; temper problems) ^[1]

[Prader-Willi Syndrome 3]