The purpose of VCFS Texas Inc. is to provide support and
resources to individuals with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
(VCFS), their families, professionals, and the community
in Texas.

What Is VCFS?

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) – also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Shprintzen Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome or DiGeorge Sequence – is caused by the deletion of a small segment of the long arm of chromosome 22 (specified as 22q11.2 deletion), and is one of the most common genetic disorders in humans-  occurring in an estimated 1 in 2,000 births.  Despite the involvement of a very specific portion of chromosome 22, there is great variation in the features of this syndrome.  None of the problems occur in all cases.  The list of anomalies includes: cleft palate, usually of the soft palate (the roof of the mouth nearest the throat which is behind the bony palate); heart problems; similar faces (elongated face, almond-shaped eyes, wide nose, small ears); learning difficulties; eye problems; feeding problems that include food coming through the nose (nasal regurgitation) because of the cleft palate; middle-ear infections; hypoparathyroidism (low levels of the parathyroid hormone that can result in seizures); immune system problems which make it difficult for the body to fight infections; weak muscles; short height; curvature of the spine (scoliosis); and tapered fingers.
*Source: National Institutes of Health, Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation.

There is a great deal of important scientific research being conducted about this syndrome, including evaluating the specialized needs of people with VCFS in the areas of speech, health, behavior and neuroprocessing, which allows parents and professionals to assist people with VCFS in achieving their full potential.