Smith-Magenis Syndrome
Smith-Magenis syndrome is a rare developmental disorder, which results in mild to moderate intellectual impairment, delayed speech and language development, distinctive facial features, behavioural difficulties and sleep disturbance. It is estimated that Smith-Magenis syndrome occurs affects one in 25000 births.
Cause of Smith-Magenis Syndrome
SMS is a chromosomal disorder. Research indicates that it is caused by the deletion of specific genetic material located on chromosome 17. Technically, this deletion is referred to as ‘17p11.2’. Smith Magenis Syndrome is a rare disorder. Up until the mid 1990’s SMS was not well know and the tiny chromosomal deletion was often missed or overlooked in genetic testing. Since that time, a specific genetic test has been developed. Known as ‘FISH’ (Fluorescence in situ hybridisation), the test has allowed for increased accuracy in diagnosing Smith Magenis Syndrome.
Smith-Magenis syndrome does not generally run in families. The deletion is thought to accidently occur around the time of conception (during the formation of reproductive cells or in early foetal development) – without being directly inherited from either parent. Therefore, SMS is genetic, but not necessarily familial.
Overview of SMS Characteristics | |
Physical Characteristics |
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Developmental and Behavioural Features |
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Other Features |
(See this link for further details: prisms) |
Treatment and Therapy
The provision of early intervention services can assist people with Smith-Magenis syndrome to reach their full potential. Each treatment plan will be tailored to the specific needs of each child, but more often than not, therapy will include aspects of:
- School based learning support
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy
An early intervention support team can support a child’s development. As part of our services at ENT Clinic Randwick, we are able to provide early intervention speech pathology services to children with Smith-Magenis syndrome and support to their families. Speech pathology programs support communication development and feeding and swallowing difficulties.
Better Start
We are approved providers of the Australian government’s Better Start program which provides financial support for children (under the age of 6) if they are deemed eligible (in this instance, a confirmed diagnosis of Smith-Magenis Syndrome). If you would like further information about how our speech pathology team can support your child, please call 1300 123 368.
Contact us for results focused speech therapy
This article was written by our speech pathologist Jenna Butterworth who is a Speech Pathology Australia member.
If you have questions about Smith-Magenis Syndrome, speech pathology or for results focused speech therapy, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a speech pathologist in Sydney. Contact us today!
Additional Resources:
PRISM Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis
Gene Review Smith-Magenis Syndrome
Bibliography
Elsea, S.H. & Girirajan, S. (2008). Smith-Magenis Syndrome. European Journal of Human Genetics, 16, 412-421.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Centre (2012). Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Retrieved on 14/08/13 from National Institute of Health.
Smith, A.C.M et al. (2012). Smith-Magenis Syndrome – Genetic Counseling. GeneReviews. Retrieved on 14/08/2013 from NCBI