Living with 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome
A rare genetic condition that can bring delayed development and speech, seizures, autistic behavior, and distinct facial features.
Understanding 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome
It brings global developmental delay, intellectual disability, delayed speech and language, epilepsy, autistic behavior, and moderate facial differences. Other features can include a smaller head, low muscle tone, extra body hair, and crossed eyes. GARD lists onset as infant and child.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Delayed speech and language
- Differences in how a child walks
- Slow growth in childhood
- Brain difference (corpus callosum)
- Scoliosis
- Hip dysplasia
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 brain and nervous 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
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); 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 it as a missing piece (microdeletion) of chromosome 9.
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 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome.
Explore research for 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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