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Living with Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndrome

A small missing piece of chromosome 15 that can cause delays, behavior differences, and learning needs, though some people have no signs.

Understanding Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndrome

Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndrome is a chromosome change in which a tiny piece of chromosome 15 is missing.

Features vary widely. The most common are developmental, motor, and language delays, behavior and emotional problems, attention deficit disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Others may include birth defects and seizures. Some people have no apparent physical, learning, or behavior problems. The deletion may happen for the first time in a person or be inherited from a parent.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Delayed speech and language
  • Global developmental delay
  • Motor delays
  • Attention deficit (ADHD)
  • Reading difficulty (dyslexia)
  • Behavior differences

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 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
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 Simons Searchlight 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
Did this deletion come from a parent, and should family members be tested?
Which therapies can help with speech, motor skills, and attention?
Should my child have testing for learning or autism?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says it is caused by a missing piece of chromosome 15 at q11.2. It can happen for the first time in a person or be inherited from a parent.

Genetic

Also known as: 15q11.2 bp1-bp2 microdeletion syndrome; 15q11.2 microdeletion syndrome; del(15)(q11.2); monosomy 15q11.2

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndromeGARD ID 10525 · 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 Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Explore the Chromosome 15q11.2 deletion syndrome blog

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