Fragile X

I found this on the internet while I was looking for something else. Hope it helps a little bit

What is Fragile X Syndrome?

Fragile X

Fragile-X Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a wide range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and mental retardation. It's an inherited X-linked dominant pattern whereby a fragile area of the X chromosome tends to repeat bits of genetic code. Because boys have only one X chromosome, a single fragile X is more likely to affect them more severely. Affected males also tend to have notable physical characteristics that become more apparent with age. Twenty percent of boys with Fragile X will meet the full criteria for autism. Additionally, most boys and some girls will exhibit symptoms of autism.
Fragile X occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 to 6,000 males and 1 in 8,000 to 9,000 females. In addition to learning difficulties, affected children tend to be restless and inattentive. Notable physical characteristics in boys will include a long and narrow face, large ears, prominent jaw, unusually flexible fingers, and enlarged testicles (macro-orchidism).

Fragile X Symptoms

• Attention deficits and hyperactivity
• Autistic behaviors and characteristics
• Large forehead and/or ears with a prominent jaw
• Flat feet
• Mental impairment, ranging from learning disabilities to mental retardation
• Large testicles (macro-orchidism)
• Tendency to avoid eye contact
• Hyperextensible joints, especially fingers
• Seizures (epilepsy affects approximately 25% of people with Fragile X)
• Large size for age
• High anxiety with unstable moods

hi M., im a special ed teacher too, and though i dont know much about it, i did put together a district guide at one time with a brief piece about fragile x, and i remember it being very interesting and very unique, with very specific needs, i would definitely look at some professional literature in addition to any input from people with first hand experience. i would get some current medical journal articles that discuss it, as well as some education journal articles that discuss how to work with the kids. hth, D.

I have a niece and nephew who have autisitic spectrum disorders, and it was suggested that they be tested for fragile X syndrom. I can't remember exactly what it is, but I know that it has something to do with their diagnosis. When a child with Autism is diagnosed with Fragile X, it increased the chances of the siblings being diagnosed. That's all I can remember. I'm sure you could research it on the internet.

Hi, I am a mother of an autistic child. Both my husband and I had to be checked for Fragile X when he was diagnosed at two years of age. Fragile X carries the gene that causes some types of autism. We didn't have it but we checked on it during the testing process. As a special ed teacher you know that these kids probably display autistic/asperger symptoms. As a teacher this is really all you need to know. As a concerned parent or friend it means that if they have children the odds are high for an autistic child. I don't know where they are on the spectrum but I guess they must be high for you to be so concerned. There is alot of information on Fragile X on the web. Check it out.

I think that it's wonderful that as a teacher you are so involved and interested in your students.

God bless.