Fragile X Syndrome
HANDLE WITH CARE
What is it?
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disabilities. According to The National Fragile X Syndrome Foundation, Fragile X is defined as a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability, behavior problems, learning challenges, and physical problems, most commonly in males. There are no exact number of cases known from Fragile X because it is often mistaken for other forms of autism, but it is estimated that 1 in every 5,000 males born, are born with the Fragile X gene.
The Fragile X Gene
The FMR1 gene is a mutation of the X chromosome causing Fragile X. Fragile X is more prevalent in males than in females. Women and men can be carriers of the gene and pass the gene down through several generations before a child is born with symptoms, this is called a premutation. Because males have only one X chromosome, it is likely to affect them more severely that females.
Symptoms:
Signs that a child might have Fragile X include:
- Developmental delays (not sitting, walking, or talking at the same time as other children the same age)
- Learning disabilities
- Social and behavior problems (such as not making eye contact, anxiety, trouble paying attention, hand flapping, acting and speaking without thinking, and being very active)
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About ME
I am a Junior at Western Carolina University. I am a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and right now I am focusing on learning disabilities in children. I made this flyer for my SPED 240 class to inform people about a learning disability that I have learned about in my research.
Email: jmterrell3@catamount.wcu.edu
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jessica.marie8592?ref=tn_tnmn