Overview
Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability is a rare genetic condition that affects the brain, specifically the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. Unlike many other forms of ataxia, this condition does not get worse over time, which is why it is called 'non-progressive.' People with this condition typically show signs of unsteady walking (ataxia), poor coordination, and some degree of intellectual disability from early childhood. The cerebellar ataxia causes difficulties with balance, walking, fine motor skills (like writing or buttoning clothes), and sometimes speech. The intellectual disability can range from mild to moderate, meaning that learning and daily problem-solving may take more time and support. Some individuals may also have delayed speech development, low muscle tone, or subtle differences in eye movements. There is currently no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on supportive therapies such as physical therapy to improve balance and coordination, occupational therapy to help with daily tasks, and speech therapy if needed. Special education services can help children reach their full learning potential. Because the condition does not worsen, many individuals can make steady progress with the right support and therapies throughout their lives. This condition may also be referred to as congenital non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability.
Key symptoms:
Unsteady walking and poor balanceDifficulty with coordinationIntellectual disability (mild to moderate)Delayed motor milestones like sitting and walkingSpeech and language delaysLow muscle tone (feeling floppy as a baby)Tremor or shaking during purposeful movementsDifficulty with fine motor tasks like writing or using utensilsJerky or uncoordinated eye movementsSlurred or slow speechLearning difficulties in schoolWide-based or unsteady gait
Clinical phenotype terms (39)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Infantile
Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific genetic testing should be done to identify the cause in our case?,How can we tell if this condition is truly non-progressive versus a slowly progressive form of ataxia?,What therapies do you recommend, and how often should they occur?,What level of independence can we expect for our child as they grow up?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies we should know about?,What educational supports should we request from our school district?,Should other family members be tested for the genetic change?
Common questions about Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability
What is Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability?
Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability is a rare genetic condition that affects the brain, specifically the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. Unlike many other forms of ataxia, this condition does not get worse over time, which is why it is called 'non-progressive.' People with this condition typically show signs of unsteady walking (ataxia), poor coordination, and some degree of intellectual disability from early childhood. The cerebellar ataxia causes difficulties with balance, walking, fine motor skills (like writi
At what age does Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability typically begin?
Typical onset of Non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.