Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is named after the two hospitals that reported the first cases in the 1970s: Boston Floating Hospital and Harbor General Hospital in California. Signs and symptoms of FHS include short stature, skeletal abnormalities, delayed bone age, kidney problems, minor problems with hearing and vision, characteristic facial features, speech and language problems, and mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Behavioral difficulties that are present in many children tend to improve with age. FHS is caused by a change (mutation) in the SRCAP gene and inheritance is autosomal dominant. The mutation can be inherited from a parent or can occur for the first time in a person with the syndrome. Communication issues and developmental disabilities may be helped with early intervention programs and special education.

SRCAP gene. The mutation can be inherited from a parent or it can be the result of a new mutation in the affected individual. FHS is passed on in an autosomal dominant manner which means each child of parent with a mutation has a 50% chance of also having the mutation.

Additional social and vocational services may also help. In some cases, behavior management strategies may be needed. Yearly testing of vision, hearing, blood pressure, and kidney function are suggested. Ultrasoundimaging to check for kidney (renal) cysts in affected teenagers and adults is also suggested.

Growth hormone has been used to treat some individuals with FHS, although information about its effectiveness in this population is limited.