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Living with Atkin-Flaitz syndrome

A rare X-linked genetic condition with learning differences, a large head, short stature, and distinctive facial features.

Understanding Atkin-Flaitz syndrome

Atkin-Flaitz syndrome is a rare X-linked condition that causes intellectual disability of varying degrees, a large head, short height, and distinctive facial features.

Facial features can include a prominent forehead and brow, wide-set eyes, a broad nasal tip, a thick lower lip, and small teeth. Other features reported include seizures, large testes after puberty, obesity, and short, broad hands with tapered fingers. It is noticed in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Intellectual disability
  • Large head (macrocephaly)
  • Short stature
  • Wide-set eyes and a prominent brow
  • Large testes after puberty
  • Obesity

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 and genetic 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)
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Would genetic testing help me understand the chance of passing this on?
What educational supports fit my child's needs?
Should seizures or weight be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceX-Linked

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this syndrome. It is X-linked, meaning the gene is on the X chromosome.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: atkin flaitz syndrome; atkin syndrome; x-linked intellectual disability atkin type; x-linked intellectual disability, atkin type; x-linked mental retardation syndrome, atkin type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Atkin-Flaitz syndromeGARD ID 3537 · 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 Atkin-Flaitz syndrome.

Explore the Atkin-Flaitz syndrome blog

Explore research for Atkin-Flaitz syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Atkin-Flaitz syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Atkin-Flaitz syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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