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Living with Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome

An extra copy of a small piece of chromosome 17 that can cause delays, seizures, and behavior differences, though some people have mild or no signs.

Understanding Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome

Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome is a chromosome change in which a small piece of chromosome 17 is copied extra times in each cell.

Signs vary a lot, even in one family. Some people have no signs or very mild ones. Others have intellectual disability, delayed development (especially speech and gross motor skills), and a range of physical differences. Learning ability ranges from normal to severely affected. Seizures are common, and autism, schizophrenia, aggression, and self-injury have been reported.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary a lot. GARD lists this feature as common, and the summary describes others:

  • Changes in brain cortex development (cortical dysplasia)
  • Delayed development, especially speech and movement
  • Intellectual disability, from mild to severe
  • Seizures
  • Autism spectrum disorder

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 the duplication come from a parent, and should relatives be tested?
Should we watch for seizures, and how?
What therapies can support speech and motor skills?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy, at Birth, and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says it is caused by an extra copy (duplication) of a small piece of chromosome 17 at q12. It is listed as autosomal dominant.

Genetic

Also known as: 17q12 duplication syndrome; 17q12 microduplication syndrome; 17q12 recurrent microduplication; dup(17)(q12); trisomy 17q12

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndromeGARD ID 13296 · 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 17q12 duplication syndrome.

Explore the Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome blog

Explore research for Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Chromosome 17q12 duplication syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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