APA Dictionary of Psychology

a group of related X-linked dominant disorders caused by mutations in the FLNA gene. The disorders include otopalatodigital syndrome types 1 and 2, frontometaphyseal dysplasia, and Melnick–Needles syndrome. In general, these disorders involve hearing loss resulting from malformed ossicles, cleft palate or other problems in the development of the roof of the mouth, and skeletal abnormalities in the fingers and toes. Males have more severe symptoms than do females, and males with otopalatodigital syndrome type 2 or Melnick–Needles syndrome do not live beyond their 1st year.