Fragile X Syndrome
by Alex Schlinkert
What Is It?
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common type of retardation in males. It is a significant retardation in females. it affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. It is caused by a gene called the CGG triplet repeat being repeated too many times. It is normally repeated 5 to 40 times, but with Fragile X Syndrome it is repeated over 200 times. The reason it affects boys more is because they only have one x chromosome so if it is fragile it will be more severe.
Symptoms
A boy who has Fragile X Syndrome has a moderate retardation which is followed by certain looks. Large head, long face, prominent forehead and chin, and protruding ears. They have slight behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, hand flapping,