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Living with Severe intellectual disability-short stature-behavioral abnormalities-facial dysmorphism syndrome

A rare genetic condition with severe learning challenges, short height, a small head, spine curves and behavior differences.

Understanding Severe intellectual disability-short stature-behavioral abnormalities-facial dysmorphism syndrome

Severe intellectual disability-short stature-behavioral abnormalities-facial dysmorphism syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects development, growth and behavior.

People with this condition have severe intellectual disability with limited or no speech, short stature, and a head that becomes small over time. They may have a curved spine (scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis). Behavior differences can include hyperactivity, repeated movements and aggression. Facial features may include a sloping forehead, deep-set eyes, crossed eyes and large ears. Signs start in the newborn and infant period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Severe intellectual disability
  • Delayed speech and language
  • Short stature
  • Small head (microcephaly)
  • Curved spine (scoliosis)
  • Hyperactivity, repeated movements or aggression

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in TTI2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

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 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the TTI2 gene confirm this diagnosis?
What supports can help with speech and behavior?
How should the spine curve be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesTTI2

GARD lists changes in the TTI2 gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: intellectual developmental disorder, autosomal recessive 39; intellectual disability, autosomal recessive type 39

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Severe intellectual disability-short stature-behavioral abnormalities-facial dysmorphism syndromeGARD ID 17611 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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Perspectives from people navigating life with Severe intellectual disability-short stature-behavioral abnormalities-facial dysmorphism syndrome.

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