What is 22q Deletion Syndrome?
November is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Awareness Month. 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome occurs when a newborn is missing a piece of their 22nd chromosome. More specifically, is the deletion of 30 to 40 genes in the middle of the 22nd chromosome. The location of the deletion is known as 22q11.2.
22q is also known as:
- DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS)
- Velocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS)
- Conotruncal Anomaly Face Syndrome
- Autosomal Dominant Opitz G/BBB Syndrome
- Cayler Cardiofacial Syndrome
- Shprintzen Syndrome
There are believed to be 1 in 2,000-4,000 children born with 22q every year. Current research shows that 22q is hereditary in 10% of cases. It’s often more difficult to diagnose because it can present in a manner of ways and doesn’t always show physically. There are over 180 different ways in which 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome can present.
It has been said that Deletion Syndrome (22q) is the rarest non-rare condition. This is because 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome the second most common genetic disorder behind Down's Syndrome, yet it is rarely discussed. Some people who live with 22q are nonverbal and some are verbal. Each person with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q) can have a range of symptoms including growth delays, cleft and craniofacial issues, gastrointestinal difficulties, feeding issues, congenital heart disease, kidney problems, serious breathing concerns, skeletal anomalies, immune deficiencies, and calcium deficiencies. People born with 22q are also more likely to anxiety disorders as well as have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
People who have 22q are have their own hopes, dreams, and lives just like you and I and everyone else in the world.
About Stephen’s Place
Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).
If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities, who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information.
Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.