Overview
Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome is a very rare genetic condition that affects several parts of the body at the same time, including the eyes, the nervous system, and brain development. The name describes the three main areas it impacts: problems with the eyes (ocular anomalies), damage to the long fibers of nerve cells that carry signals through the body (axonal neuropathy), and slower-than-typical development of skills like talking, walking, and learning (developmental delay). People with this condition may be born with or develop eye problems such as unusual eye structure or reduced vision. The nerve damage can cause muscle weakness, reduced reflexes, and difficulty with coordination. Developmental delays can range from mild to more significant, affecting both physical and intellectual milestones. Because this syndrome is extremely rare and was only recently described, our understanding of it is still growing. There is currently no cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, supporting development through therapies, and monitoring for complications. A team of specialists — including eye doctors, neurologists, and developmental pediatricians — typically works together to care for affected individuals.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Eye abnormalities present from birth or early childhoodReduced vision or visual impairmentMuscle weakness, especially in the arms and legsDecreased or absent reflexesDifficulty with coordination and balanceDelayed milestones such as sitting, walking, or talkingIntellectual disability or learning difficultiesAbnormal nerve conduction (nerves do not send signals properly)Low muscle tone (floppiness in infancy)Possible abnormalities seen on brain imaging
Clinical phenotype terms (36)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Infantile
Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome.
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 Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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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.Which specific gene change has been found in my child, and what does it mean for their health?,What therapies do you recommend, and how often should my child receive them?,How often should my child see an ophthalmologist, and what eye problems should I watch for at home?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies we could participate in?,What signs or symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care?,Should other family members be tested to see if they are carriers of this gene change?,What support services or educational accommodations should we be asking for at school?
Common questions about Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome
What is Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome?
Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome is a very rare genetic condition that affects several parts of the body at the same time, including the eyes, the nervous system, and brain development. The name describes the three main areas it impacts: problems with the eyes (ocular anomalies), damage to the long fibers of nerve cells that carry signals through the body (axonal neuropathy), and slower-than-typical development of skills like talking, walking, and learning (developmental delay). People with this condition may be born with or develop eye problems such as unusual
How is Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome inherited?
Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Ocular anomalies-axonal neuropathy-developmental delay syndrome is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.