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Living with 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome

A rare chromosome condition that can bring speech delay, learning challenges, eczema, and less feeling of pain.

Understanding 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome

13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome is a rare chromosome condition caused by a missing piece of chromosome 13.

People with this condition have moderate intellectual disability and speech delay. Head growth may slow after birth. Eczema (atopic dermatitis), distinct facial features, and reduced sensitivity to pain are also part of it. GARD lists onset as newborn.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Delayed speech and language
  • Moderate intellectual disability
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Reduced sensitivity to pain
  • Short stature
  • Recurrent respiratory infections

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Chromosome Disorder Outreach and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How can we keep my child safe given reduced sensitivity to pain?
What treatments can help with eczema?
What speech therapy options would you recommend?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. The summary describes it as a chromosome change.

GeneticNeurologicalSkin

Also known as: del(13)(q12.3); monosomy 13q12.3

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · 13q12.3 microdeletion syndromeGARD ID 21737 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome.

Explore the 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome blog

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HealthSpark

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