Fragile X Syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an altered gene on the X chromosome
- It is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disabilities
"Fragile X Explained" - video (Yahoo News with Katie Couric)
Signs & Symptoms:
- Physical features:
- Elongated face
- Prominent ears
- Flat feet
- Poor muscle tone
- High arched palate
- Frequent ear infections
- Loose joints
- Behavioral features:
- Attention deficit/impulsivity/hyperactivity
- Learning disabilities
- Poor eye contact
- Autistic-like behavior
- Social anxiety
- Sensory integration problems, such as hypersensitivity to loud noises or bright lights
- Speech delay, with expressive language more severely affected than receptive language
- Seizures (epilepsy) affect about 25% of people with Fragile X
Sources: NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities; FRAXA Research Foundation (2011)