Fragile X Syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited intellectual disability in children. This condition arises by a mutation in a single gene on the X chromosome. Both males and females can have Fragile X; however, as males have only one X chromosome, they are usually affected more severely and show poorer functioning.
Physical Features Associated with Children who have Fragile X:
- Long faces and prominent ears
- Flat feet
- Flexible joints and low muscle tone
- Large body size
- Soft skin
Cognitive Features Associated with Children who have Fragile X:
- Median IQ in moderate impaired range for males
- Median IQ in low average range for females
- Articulation and speech difficulties
- Pragmatic (Social) language difficulties
- Understanding idioms and non-literal languag
- Inferring meaning from contex
- Echolalia (repeating what others state)
- Poor motor movements
- Difficulties with visual spatial functioning
- Poor mathematics and abstract reasoning
- Difficulties with executive functioning
- Difficulties with socialization
Research has demonstrated that children with Fragile X Syndrome often benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach which might include:
- Sign language if there are significant deficits with language functioning
- Minimization of visual and auditory distractions in the classroom
- Academic intervention focused on an individual level versus a group level
- Stimulant medication for difficulties with attention
- Speech/language therapy for language development
- Occupational Therapy for motor and visual spatial development.
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