A rare genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by neonatal to infantile onset of hypotonia developmental delay regression of motor skills with distal amyotrophy ataxia and spasticity absent speech or dysarthria and moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Optic atrophy may also be associated. Brain imaging shows cerebellar atrophy and thin corpus callosum as well as brain iron accumulation in the pallidum and substantia nigra beginning during the second decade of life.
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview. Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata. Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version March 2026
Newly diagnosed with
Early-onset progressive encephalopathy-spastic ataxia-distal spinal muscular atrophy syndrome?
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Advocacy Organizations
Association Aux Pas du Coeur – Côte d’ivoire
Our organization wants to raise awareness and recognition of rare diseases in Ivory Coast. Our mission is to: Raise awareness and campaign to help with the diagnosis and free therapeutic care of patients. Request and/or contribute to actions relating to the training of the medical profession to be able to make a final diagnosis and ensure continuous monitoring of patients easily.
Ataxia and me
To relieve the needs of sufferers of Ataxia or other neurological disorders, their families and carers for the public benefit by providing patient led support and by raising awareness of such conditions."
Cache DNA
At Cache, we are on a mission to store the biomolecules of today in order to unlock the possibilities of tomorrow. Our vision is to create a scalable, sustainable, and standardized platform for reliable storage and access of biomolecules by combining chemistry, biology, automation, and computational tools to support patient advocacy groups worldwide and better connect samples to insights.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association
Our mission … to support the development of new treatments for CMT, to improve the quality of life for people with CMT, and, ultimately, to find a cure. Our vision … a world without CMT. CMTA was started by patients in 1986, and to this day is powered by a community of patients who are engaged in helping carry out and support our mission.
Childhood Dementia Initiative
Our vision is for sustainable global health solutions for childhood dementia. This will be achieved through the following outcomes: - Treatments and cures available for children with dementia - Access to equitable and quality care for children with dementia and their families - Childhood dementia is a global health policy priority.
Ducks For Dementia
Ducks For Dementia, founded on the profound compassion and vision of a young boy named David, aims to bring solace and understanding to individuals with dementia and their families. Our mission is rooted in the distribution of toy ducks as symbols of comfort, which serve not only as therapeutic aids but also as beacons of joy and companionship for those navigating the complexities of dementia.
Fundacion Powerchair Football Argentina
To develop Powerchair Football in Argentina in order to integrate people with motor disabilities (SMA, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Achondroplasia, Rare Diseases) into sports practice and to promote their social inclusion, based on empowerment, independence, and the creation of new bonds and friendships.
Genetic Support Network of Victoria
The Genetic Support Network of Victoria is an organisation that supports people living with genetic, undiagnosed and rare conditions and those who support them including community and families, patient support organisations, health professionals and industry. Our vision is our community flourishing and living their best lives.
KIF1A.ORG
KIF1A.ORG is a global community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by KIF1A Associated Neurological Disorder (KAND) and accelerating research to find a cure.
Lenny’s Cure for CONDSIAS
Our goal is to foster connection, build awareness, advance research and find a cure for CONDSIAS.
National Ataxia Foundation
To accelerate the development of treatments and a cure while working to improve the lives of those living with Ataxia.
Neuromuscular Disease Foundation
The Neuromuscular Disease Foundation's (NDF) mission is to enhance the quality of the lives of people living with GNE Myopathy (also known as HIBM) through advocacy, education, outreach, and funding clinical research focused on treatments and a cure.
SMA Philippines Organization Inc.
Driven by the belief that no one gets left behind, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals affected with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) through advocacy, education, and support. Our goal is to raise awareness, improve access to essential care and resources, advocate for equitable treatment opportunities, and champion the rights of individuals with SMA.
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Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.