Towson Child Diagnosed With Rare Genetic Disorder
A young Towson resident received a diagnosis for a rare condition linked to a deletion in the Chaserr gene.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Autism
The National Institutes of Health has diagnosed a Towson child, Dash Daichman, with a rare genetic disorder caused by a Chaserr gene deletion. This condition, which results in an overactive CHD2 gene, has affected only nine children globally.
Why it matters
The diagnosis provides a formal identification for a condition that had gone undiagnosed for three years, shedding light on a complex genetic anomaly. While researchers work to better understand the rare disorder, families are beginning to organize advocacy efforts.
The genetic condition is characterized by a deletion in the Chaserr gene that causes the CHD2 gene to become overactive. This rare disorder was discovered two years ago and remains without a known cure.
The players
Dash Daichman
A Towson resident who has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder involving a Chaserr gene deletion.
National Institutes of Health
The U.S. federal agency responsible for conducting biomedical and public health research that provided the official diagnosis.
University of Maryland Medical Center
A major academic medical center in Baltimore that is coordinating efforts to connect the family with specialized researchers.
The details
Following a three-year period of undiagnosed health episodes, the National Institutes of Health confirmed the diagnosis via email to the family. The University of Maryland Medical Center is now facilitating connections between the family and relevant medical researchers.
Timeline
The Chaserr gene deletion was first discovered in 2024.
The National Institutes of Health provided the official diagnosis in October 2026.
Health Landscape
This diagnosis follows the established diagnostic pathway used by the National Institutes of Health for identifying extremely rare genetic mutations. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in identifying and managing ultra-rare conditions that have only been recently documented.
For families facing undiagnosed health conditions, this case underscores the importance of long-term genetic evaluation and specialized medical coordination. The discovery of such specific gene deletions can help inform future research into potential management strategies.
The takeaway
This case highlights how persistence in seeking specialized genetic testing can eventually identify rare anomalies that were previously invisible. Families dealing with similar conditions are increasingly turning toward the creation of dedicated foundations to drive awareness and funding.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and diagnostic support by visiting the Autism resources page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMAR.
