
Living with Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome
A rare condition with thin bones, intellectual disability, sparse hair, loose joints, and low muscle tone.
Understanding Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome
It also involves mild facial differences, loose joints, and low muscle tone. GARD notes there have been no further descriptions in the literature since 1992. GARD lists newborn and infant years as the usual onset.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Thin bones (osteopenia) and repeated fractures
- Sparse, fine scalp hair
- Delayed speech and motor skills
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Very flexible joints
- Slow growth in childhood
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 bone and joint specialists, 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
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); 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
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive way, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: kaler garrity stern syndrome; kaler-garrity-stern syndrome; osteopenia, intellectual disability, sparse hair syndrome
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- 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 Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome.
Explore research for Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair 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
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Osteopenia-intellectual disability-sparse hair syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.



