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Living with X-linked intellectual disability, Cilliers type

A rare X-linked condition with mild learning difficulty, short stature, small head, and low sex hormone production.

Understanding X-linked intellectual disability, Cilliers type

X-linked intellectual disability, Cilliers type, is a rare condition with mild intellectual disability, short stature, and a small head.

Males also have hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, in which the testes make low sex hormones despite high signals from the brain. Mild facial features include deep-set eyes, prominent brow ridges, a high nasal bridge, and large ears. Signs begin in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Mild intellectual disability
  • Short stature
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Low sex hormone production (hypogonadism)
  • Small testes
  • Deep-set eyes and prominent brow

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, genetic specialists, hormone specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Resolve: The National Infertility Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Resolve: The National Infertility Association
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 Resolve: The National Infertility Association
  • 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 are hormone levels monitored?
Which endocrine specialist should follow my child?
Is genetic counseling available for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceX-Linked

GARD says changes in genes (variants) cause this condition and it follows X-linked inheritance. It doesn't name a gene.

GeneticNeurologicalEndocrine

Also known as: x-linked intellectual disability cilliers type; x-linked intellectual disability-microcephaly-testicular failure syndrome; x-linked intellectual disability, microcephaly, testicular failure syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked intellectual disability, Cilliers typeGARD ID 20054 · 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 X-linked intellectual disability, Cilliers type.

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  • 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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