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
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