Kisho is an information platform, not a medical provider. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All content is aggregated from publicly available sources (including ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, FDA.gov, and Orphanet) and is provided for informational purposes only. Clinical trial eligibility, treatment decisions, and any health-related actions should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Kisho does not endorse any specific therapy, organization, or clinical trial. Terms of use · Privacy policy
An inherited condition caused by mutation(s) in the DDX3X gene, encoding ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX3X. It is characterized by severe intellectual disability and variable neurologic features.
Features include always present findings: Intellectual disability; and common findings: Decreased body weight, Strabismus, Low muscle tone (hypotonia), and Enlarged brain ventricles (ventriculomegaly) and others. 27 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 8 | Seizure, Aggressive behavior, Enlarged brain ventricles (ventriculomegaly) |
Head and neck | 4 | Microcephaly, Cleft palate, Long face |
Ears | 1 | Hearing loss (hearing impairment) |
Eyes | 1 | Strabismus |
Muscles | 1 | Low muscle tone (hypotonia) |
Bones and joints | 1 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |
Lungs and breathing | 1 | Dysplastic pulmonary valve |
Hormones | 1 | Precocious puberty |
DDX3X-related neurodevelopmental disorder (DDX3X-NDD) typically occurs in females and rarely in males. DDX3X-NDD in both females and males is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical features with variable expression and severity. presents the most common clinical characteristics observed in the three largest cohorts of females with DDX3X-NDD observed to date comprising a total of 149 unique individuals . Note that data from individuals included in more than one report were removed. Data from four smaller reports are included in the discussion following [, , , ]. Characteristics typically present are intellectual disability (ID), tone abnormalities, and associated feeding difficulty, joint laxity, and scoliosis. Other common features include ophthalmologic abnormalities, hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and respiratory difficulties. Neuroblastoma has been observed in three individuals, all of whom presented early in life and responded favorably to treatment. Table 2. Clinical Findings in Females with DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Finding | Report 1 | Report 2 | Report 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
DDX3X encodes DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (662 aa). Multifunctional ATP-dependent RNA helicase. The ATPase activity can be stimulated by various ribo-and deoxynucleic acids indicative for a relaxed substrate specificity. Highest expression in Fallopian Tube (182.4 TPM) and Uterus (180.9 TPM).
Intellectual disability, X-linked 102 is associated with mutations in the DDX3X gene on chromosome X.
DDX3X is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable, Druggable Genome, Enzyme, Serine Threonine Kinase, Transcription Factor Binding, and Transporter categories) with score 0.0.
Females. Affected females with a subset of missense variants generally are more severely affected than those with truncating variants . Polymicrogyria has been associated with missense or in-frame deletions . Males. While all affected males have had missense DDX3X variants , their female relatives who are heterozygous for the same DDX3X variant do not manifest an atypical neurodevelopmental phenotype.
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Formal diagnostic criteria for DDX3X-related neurodevelopmental disorder (DDX3X-NDD) have not been established.
DDX3X-NDD can be considered in an individual with several of the following clinical and brain imaging findings .
Clinical findings
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Because the phenotypic features associated with DDX3X-related neurodevelopmental disorder in females are not sufficient to diagnose this condition, many disorders with intellectual disability without other clearly distinctive findings should be considered in the differential diagnosis (including autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy). See OMIM Autosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive, Nonsyndromic X-Linked, and Syndromic X-Linked Intellectual Developmental Disorder Phenotypic Series. Two females with features of Toriello-Carey syndrome (T-CS) (anal atresia, congenital heart defects, corpus callosum anomalies, hypotonia, and developmental delay) (OMIM 217980) were found to have a DDX3X variant .
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Genetic testing for DDX3X is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for intellectual disability, X-linked 102 has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for intellectual disability, X-linked 102. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with DDX3X-related neurodevelopmental disorder (DDX3X-NDD), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Constitutional | Assess height, weight, head circumference. | Check for evidence of FTT. |
Neurodevelopment | Neurodevelopmental assessment to identify delays | To incl motor, speech-language eval, general cognitive, adaptive skills by available appropriate services (e.g., eval by early intervention program (ages 0-3 yrs), public school district (ages 3-21 yrs), or possibly by developmental/behavioral pediatrician |
Speech language | Eval by speech-language pathologist | Assessment of speech, language, communication abilities |
Neurologic | Neurologic eval for hypotonia, movement disorder, spasticity | If seizures are suspected: EEG consideration of brain MRI Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Consider assessment by behavioral pediatrician to assess maladaptive behaviors or by psychiatrist for more severe behavioral issues. |
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
View trials for intellectual disability, X-linked 102
Table 5. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Constitutional | Measure height, weight, BMI, head circumference. | Annually or more frequently if FTT |
Eyes | Ophthalmologic eval | Annually or more frequently as needed |
Hearing | Audiologic assessment | Reevaluate as needed for suspected hearing loss. Gastrointestinal/ |
Feeding | Assess nutritional status feeding w/attention to poor weight gain, choking/gagging during feeds, feeding refusal not otherwise explained. | Annually or more frequently if FTT Musculoskeletal |
Development | Monitor developmental progress educational needs. | Every 6 mos, then annually when school aged |
Endocrine | Monitor for evidence of precocious puberty. | Starting at age 8 yrs Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Eval by developmental psychologist | As needed Miscellaneous/ |
Other | Assess family need for social work support, other local resources. | Annually or more frequently as needed FTT = failure to thrive; PT = physical therapy |
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Phenotype severity distribution: 1 always present feature, 9 common features.
No clinical trials have been registered for intellectual disability, X-linked 102.
13 publications have been identified in PubMed for intellectual disability, X-linked 102. Research spans Basic Science / Preclinical (31%), Clinical Trial Publication (23%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (15%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Laboratory research | 4 | 31% |
Clinical study results | 3 | 23% |
Research summaries | 2 | 15% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 8% |
Patient case studies | 1 | 8% |
Disease patterns and progression | 1 | 8% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 8% |
Lund TC (2026). [PMID: 41663336](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41663336/). *Journal of inherited metabolic disease*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Shu-Ting Q (2025). [PMID: 40082233](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40082233/). *Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan xue bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Gidado KI (2025). [PMID: 39638232](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39638232/). *Neuroscience*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Toyama Y (2025). [PMID: 40877262](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40877262/). *Nature communications*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Ferrer RM (2025). [PMID: 39704488](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39704488/). *Journal of inherited metabolic disease*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Mochalova DA (2025). [PMID: 40350736](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40350736/). *Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Belenska-Todorova L (2025). [PMID: 40558542](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40558542/). *Cells*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Lebeda D (2024). [PMID: 38430393](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38430393/). *Journal of molecular medicine (Berlin, Germany)*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Eichler F (2024). [PMID: 39383459](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39383459/). *The New England journal of medicine*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Okuzono S (2024). [PMID: 38964745](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38964745/). *Genes to cells : devoted to molecular & cellular mechanisms*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 4:29 PM UTC
Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) provide support, resources, and community for patients and caregivers.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
DD/ID
38/38 (100%) |
28/28 (100%) |
84/84 (100%) |
Behavior issues | 20/38 (53%) | 6/28 (21%) | See footnote 1. |
Hypotonia | 29/38 (76%) | 19/28 (68%) | 66/83 (80%) |
Hypertonia alone or a mixture of hyper- hypotonia | See footnote 2. | 2/12 (17%) | 38/83 (46%) |
Epilepsy/seizures | 6/38 (16%) | NA | 17/83 (20%) |
Movement disorders | 17/38 (45%)2 | 17/28 (61%) | 18/83 (22%) |
Microcephaly | 12/38 (32%) | 7/28 (25%) | 25/74 (34%) |
Vision issues | 13/38 (34%) | 9/28 (32%) | 32/82 (39%) |
Respiratory | NA | 5/28 (18%) | NA |
Congenital heart abnormalities | NA | 5/73 (71%) | 11/82 (13%) |
Skeletal (scoliosis) | 4/38 (11%) | NA | 8/82 (10%) |
Hearing impairment | 3/38 (8%) | NA | 4/78 (5%) |
Precocious puberty | 5/38 (13%) | NA | 7/82 (9%) |
Cleft lip/palate/uvula | 3/38 (8%) | NA | NA Note: Some overlap of participants exists in the three reported cohorts; to address the overlap, cohort 1 has been reported in its entirety and the overlaps subtracted from cohorts 2 and 3. One male overlaps in Reports 1 and 2, but (being male) is not counted in the table. |
Source: GeneReviews — "DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Persons age 12 mos: incl screening for behavior issues, e.g., sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or findings suggestive of ASD. |
Cardiovascular | Eval by cardiologist | Especially those w/FTT feeding difficulties; Consider autonomic instability in those w/syncope, tachycardia, /or orthostatic hypotension |
Respiratory | Eval by pulmonologist | Patients w/apnea, tachypnea, other respiratory manifestations, /or respiratory failure Gastrointestinal/ |
Feeding | Gastroenterology / nutrition / feeding team eval | If feeding difficulties, GERD, /or FTT are present:; Swallowing, feeding, nutritional status assessment to determine safety of oral vs gastrostomy feeding; Mgmt of constipation, if present |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics / physiatry / PT OT eval | Eval for scoliosis if referred by pediatrician; Determination of DME needs |
Eyes/Vision | Ophthalmologic exam | Exam for refractive errors, cortical visual impairment, optic atrophy, coloboma, nystagmus, strabismus |
Hearing loss | Audiologic eval | For SNHL, conductive HL, or both |
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons families re nature, MOI, implications of DDX3X-NDD in order to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with DDX3X-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
DD/ID | See . | Speech |
language | By speech-language pathologist | Use of augmentative alternative communication strategies as needed |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT incl stretching to help avoid contractures falls | For those w/scoliosis: consider bracing to prevent progression secondary morbidity (e.g., pain, impaired ambulation, restrictive lung disease).; For those w/hypotonia/hypertonia: consider ankle-foot orthoses. If hypertonia is present evaluate need for spasticity treatment (e.g., baclofen, Botox®). |
Seizures | Standardized treatment w/ASM by experienced neurologist | Many ASMs may be effective; none has been demonstrated effective specifically for DDX3X-NDD.; Education of parents/caregivers1 Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | See . | Poor weight gain/ |
Failure to thrive | Feeding therapy; gastrostomy tube placement may be required for persistent feeding issues. | Bowel |
dysfunction | For constipation | Stool softeners, prokinetics, osmotic agents or laxatives as needed |
Abnormal vision | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by ophthalmologist | Community vision services through early intervention or school district Hearing |