Welcome to The Angelman Network

Kia Ora. Welcome to the website for The Angelman Network.

INFORMATION: The website is our primary resource for sharing the latest global up-to-date information about Angelman Syndrome. You will find key information for newly diagnosed families in NZ, general health management plans, views on inclusion, current research on AS, and a wide range of AS specific topics for both families and professionals.

INCLUSION: The Angelman Network encourages a person-centered approach for those who have Angelman Syndrome, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Read more on inclusion, here.
CONNECTION & SUPPORT: We connect and support NZ families by encouraging and assisting with regional gatherings and fundraising activities across the country. [For free and confidential support services, see Parent to Parent.]
ADVOCACY: The Angelman Network advocates on behalf of families and those with Angelman Syndrome in NZ.
AWARENESS: On the 15th February each year we celebrate International Angelman Day (IAD) to raise funds and spread awareness of the condition.

What is Angelman syndrome?

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-genetic condition caused by a

reduction of expression of the UBE3A gene located on chromosome 15.

It is not a degenerative disease nor caused by anything parents may have

done before or during pregnancy. With good health management and

appropriate supports - especially for communication - most people born

with Angelman syndrome will have a normal life expectancy. With a

prevalence of 1:15,000 it affects males and females of all racial/

ethnic groups equally. Read more on Angelman syndrome here.

Our Vision / O motor kitenga

That people with Angelman syndrome are: Te tangata mau i te mate AS ka:

- accepted and acknowledged as unique individuals - whakaaetia, manakotia hoki kia u ki to rátou mana ake

- given access to a full language system (AAC) so that - kia whiwhi ai ki nga ara reo kia rongohia ai o ratou reo e te their voices can be heard katoa ma roto i te àpititanga me etahi atu whakamòhiotanga

- valued as contributing members of their community - kia whai hua rátou hei tángata tákoha nó tó rátou hápori