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Living with Ring chromosome 19

A rare chromosome change with effects ranging from mild to profound learning and developmental differences.

Understanding Ring chromosome 19

Ring chromosome 19 syndrome is a rare chromosome condition that varies from person to person.

Some people have few effects, while others have profound intellectual disability, developmental delay, and speech and learning difficulties. Mild facial differences, mild low muscle tone, and autistic-like behaviors such as head banging may occur. Other reported features include loose skin, hearing loss, and clubfoot. It starts during pregnancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary a lot from person to person. GARD lists these as less common features:

  • Small head size
  • Autistic-like behavior
  • Clubfoot
  • Deep philtrum
  • Delayed motor skills
  • Ears rotated toward the back of the head

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
How would speech and learning support help my child?
Should hearing be checked?
Was this change inherited or did it happen by chance?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy

It is a chromosome change in which chromosome 19 forms a ring. GARD does not name a gene or list an inheritance pattern.

Genetic

Also known as: ring 19; ring chromosome 19 syndrome; ring chromosome type 19

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Ring chromosome 19GARD ID 1333 · 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 Ring chromosome 19.

Explore the Ring chromosome 19 blog

Explore research for Ring chromosome 19

Explore actively recruiting Ring chromosome 19 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ring chromosome 19 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

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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