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Living with Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome

An extra piece of chromosome 17 linked to behavior differences and trouble with social interaction, along with developmental delay.

Understanding Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome

Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome (17q21.31 microduplication syndrome) has a broad range of features, most consistently behavior and social differences.

GARD says behavioral disorders and poor social interaction seem to be the most consistent features. It lists onset in the newborn period and infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Global developmental delay
  • Attention deficit (ADHD)
  • Autism or autistic behavior
  • Differences in the outer ear
  • Fused toes
  • Extra body hair

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 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
Which genetic test confirmed the duplication?
Should my child be assessed for autism or ADHD?
What therapies can help with social skills and development?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

GARD says it is caused by an extra piece (duplication) of chromosome 17 at q21.31.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: 17q21.31 microduplication syndrome; dup(17)(q21.31); trisomy 17q21.31

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndromeGARD ID 17121 · 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 17q21.31 duplication syndrome.

Explore the Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome blog

Explore research for Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Chromosome 17q21.31 duplication syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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