Dysmorphism-short stature-deafness-disorder of sex development syndrome is characterized by dysmorphism (including facial asymmetry, arched eyebrows, hypertelorism, broad and flat nasal bridge, microtia, small nose with anteverted nostrils, micrognathia), deafness, cleft palate, male pseudohermaphroditism, and growth and psychomotor retardation. It has been described in two siblings. It is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Cleft of the soft palate (also known as the velum, or muscular palate) as a result of a developmental defect occurring between the 7th and 12th week of pregnancy. Cleft soft palate can cause functional abnormalities of the Eustachian tube with resulting middle ear anomalies and hearing difficulties, as well as speech problems associated with hypernasal speech due to velopharyngeal insufficiency.