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Living with Ring chromosome 22

A rare chromosome change causing developmental and speech delay, low muscle tone, and distinct features.

Understanding Ring chromosome 22

Ring chromosome 22 is a rare condition in which chromosome 22 forms a ring and some genetic material is missing.

The amount lost varies from person to person. People may have global developmental delay, delayed speech, low muscle tone, a small head size, and autistic behavior. They may also have unsteady walking and reduced pain sensation. Most cases happen by chance, without a family history. It begins in the newborn and infant period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Global developmental delay
  • Delayed speech and language
  • Low muscle tone
  • Unsteady walking (gait ataxia)
  • Autistic behavior
  • Reduced pain sensation

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
Which part of chromosome 22 is involved in my child?
What therapies could help with speech and movement?
How should development be tracked?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

A piece of the short arm and a piece of the long arm of chromosome 22 are missing and the ends form a ring. Most cases happen by chance with no family history.

Genetic

Also known as: chromosome 22 ring; r(22) syndrome; ring 22; ring chromosome 22 syndrome; ring chromosome type 22

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Ring chromosome 22GARD ID 1336 · 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 22.

Explore the Ring chromosome 22 blog

Explore research for Ring chromosome 22

Explore actively recruiting Ring chromosome 22 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ring chromosome 22 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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