Skip to main content
Knowledge Base
< All Topics
Print

Genetic conditions

Posted
Updated

The syndromes below have been shared by parents for information as they are rare but can co-occur with autism and ADHD so may be worth exploring as a diagnosis: 

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS): a group of 13 genetic conditions which causes joint hypermobility and fragile tissues. Studies suggest that approximately 6% of children with EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) also have autism, a rate higher than in the general population  Hypermobility may cause issues with fine motor skill tasks such as holding a pencil to draw or write: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/ 

  • Phelan McDermid syndrome (also called 22q13 deletion syndrome): impacts brain development meaning developmental delays. Most people with the syndrome will be non-verbal and have low muscle tone in their limbs: https://www.pmsf.org.uk/ 

  • XYY syndrome (also called Jacobs syndrome): detected through a blood test and means a male has an extra Y chromosome. This can lead to above average height, delays with speech and language, and behavioural issues: https://contact.org.uk/conditions/xyy-syndrome/ 
Table of Contents