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Fragile X Syndrome
The following information is provided by The Fragile X Society.
What is Fragile X?
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited cause of learning disability (mental handicap). It occurs more in boys than in girls and is associated with varying degrees of learning difficulty.
Boys who are affected almost always have some learning difficulty ranging from mild learning difficulties to severe handicap. Girls are often of normal intelligence but up to a third have learning problems which may be mild or moderated but are occasionally severe.
The behaviour features include short attention span, distractibility, impulsiveness and overactivity. Shyness and social withdrawal are often seen in girls who may have difficulties in making friends.
Many show autistic-like features - a dislike of eye contact, difficulty in relating to other people, anxiety in social situations often leading to tantrums, insistence on familiar routines and hand flapping or hand biting.
Speech and language is usually delayed with continuing speech difficulties and some children and adults develop epilepsy.
The Fragile X Society produce two booklets: Fragile X Syndrome: An Introduction and Fragile X Syndrome: An Introduction to Education Needs.
An Introduction to Education Needs contains information under the following headings:
• The Effects of Fragile X on Learning
Speech and language
Information overload
Curriculum strengths and weaknesses
• Behavioural Aspects
• School Placement
• Classroom Environment
• Number Work
• Reading
• Computers
• Work Habits
• Social Development
The Fragile X Society supports families of those with Fragile X by putting them in touch with others who know about the problems. They also offer full information about the syndrome, including the latest medical an educational research findings.
For further information contact: Fragile X Society . Web site: www.fragilex.org.uk