According to the March of Dimes, about 1 in 150 babies are born with a chromosomal condition. Changes of the chromosome can occur through duplication, deletion or inversion.
Ring Chromosome 22 is a rare disorder which occurs when a component of the short arm and a part of the long arm are missing which join together causing to form a ring.
Prevalence
Ring Chromosome is extremely rare. There are approximately 100 known case.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary based on the amount of genetic material lost and the location of the break in the chromosome. Signs and symptoms typically include, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities in the severe to moderate range, speech delay, hypotonia, unsteady gait, seizures and hyperactivity. Physical characteristics in some cases include webbed toes and a bulbous nose.
Ring Chromosome 22 and Autism
It is estimated that 30-79% of people diagnosed with Ring Chromosome 22 also displayed autistic features. In cases where Autism and Ring Chromosome 22 coexisted, it was found that autism symptoms such as mood disorders, hyperactivity, and aggression were evidenced.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Ring Chromosome 22. The following are used as a way to manage the disorder.
- special education
- speech therapy
- physical therapy
- seizure medication.
