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Living with Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndrome

A rare genetic condition with slow growth before and after birth, a small head, and feeding trouble.

Understanding Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndrome

Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by a missing piece of chromosome 20.

Babies grow slowly before and after birth and have a small head, low muscle tone, and ongoing feeding difficulties. Development is mildly delayed. Certain facial features are also seen. Signs begin during pregnancy and in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Slow growth before and after birth
  • Small head (microcephaly)
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Delays in development
  • Small lower jaw (micrognathia)

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 Chromosome Disorder Outreach
  • 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
What feeding support can help with growth?
Which therapies help with development and muscle tone?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn

Changes in the genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is caused by a microdeletion, a missing piece of chromosome 20 from the father's side.

Genetic

Also known as: paternal 20q13.2-q13.3 microdeletion syndrome; paternal del(20)(q13.2q13.3); paternal monosomy 20q13.2-q13.3; paternal monosomy 20q13.2q13.3

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndromeGARD ID 20777 · 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 Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndrome.

Explore the Paternal 20q13.2q13.3 microdeletion syndrome blog

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