Living with 6q terminal deletion syndrome
A rare chromosome condition that can bring developmental delay, distinct facial features, and brain differences.
Understanding 6q terminal deletion syndrome
Features vary widely. They include distinct facial features, global developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Low muscle tone, seizures, retinal differences, and brain differences have been reported. GARD lists onset as the newborn and infant period.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Global developmental delay
- Delayed speech and language
- Mild intellectual disability
- Low muscle tone in infants
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Brain differences (white matter, cortex)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- 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
- 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
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. The summary describes a partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 6.
Patient organizations
- Chromosome Disorder OutreachChromosome disorders · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with 6q terminal deletion syndrome.
Explore research for 6q terminal deletion syndrome
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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