Fragile X Syndrome
Information
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. (ghr.nlm.nih.gov) Fragile X Syndrome affects males more severely than females. Fragile X Syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. There is a range of disabilities in Fragile X Syndrome from moderate learning disabilities to severe intellectual disabilities. Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited from of an intellectual disability.
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. (ghr.nlm.nih.gov) Fragile X Syndrome affects males more severely than females. Fragile X Syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. There is a range of disabilities in Fragile X Syndrome from moderate learning disabilities to severe intellectual disabilities. Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited from of an intellectual disability.
Causes of Fragile X
Fragile X is caused by a defect in a single gene. This gene called FMR1, shuts down and fails to produce a protein vital for brain development. Males are more severely affected by Fragile X because males have chromosomes of both X and Y. Since Fragile X affects the X chromosome, they are going to show the traits of the disorder. Females on the other hand have two X chromosomes. The defect may appear in only one chromosome and the other X chromosome essentially takes charge.
Fragile X is caused by a defect in a single gene. This gene called FMR1, shuts down and fails to produce a protein vital for brain development. Males are more severely affected by Fragile X because males have chromosomes of both X and Y. Since Fragile X affects the X chromosome, they are going to show the traits of the disorder. Females on the other hand have two X chromosomes. The defect may appear in only one chromosome and the other X chromosome essentially takes charge.
Characteristics in males
-flat feet - high arched palate - double-jointed fingers - hyper-flexible joints Behavior characteristics may include:
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Characteristics in Females
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Accommodations
- Provide visual cues for instructions
- Use pictures and models as a means of communication understanding instead of writing
- Provide a paraprofessional educator for the student for instruction, comfort, and physical purposes
- Provide instruction in small-group, and one-on-one settings
- Have the student sitting close to materials and instructions
Modifications
- Use an individual visual schedule
- Color code relevant information
- Give the student choices and control
Resources for Parents
- http://www.fragilex.org/ (Support Groups, Information, and Research funding)
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fxs/facts.html (Facts on Fragile X Syndrome)
- http://www.fragilex.org/community/international-family-support-network-clinics/ (Family support)
- http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fragileX/Pages/index.aspx
- http://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/fragile-x-syndrome.aspx
- http://www.fragilex.org/treatment-intervention/education/top-10-things-a-teacher-should-know-about-fragile-x-syndrome/
- http://www.specialchild.com/archives/dz-008.html
Children's books on Fragile X Syndrome
- Dear Megan: Letters on Life, Love and Fragile X by Mary Beth Busby and Megan Massey
- Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Sornson
- The Don't-Give-Up Kid: And Learning Disabilities by Jeanne Gehret
Scenerios
A student with Fragile X Syndrome often has outbursts when the daily schedule changes.
Accommodations /Modifications:
A student with Fragile X Syndrome often has outbursts when the daily schedule changes.
Accommodations /Modifications:
- Write down or explain any changes in the daily schedule
- Have a visual schedule for the student to follow along with
References
Fragile X syndrome. (2015, January 27). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/fragile-x-syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome. (2010, January 1). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org/genetic-diseases/fragile-x-syndrome/?_kk=what are the symptoms of fragile x&_kt=0af09c2d-1b24-47ef-8590-3753eb076ca6&gclid=Cj0KEQiAr9ymBRDdqYrH6Mj5170BEiQAcRUsi4a7kLiZY_XqbyD7EHkGr-aoxmlhwy0VKcjkJIuYcrkaAr1E8P8HAQ
National Fragile X Foundation. (2011, December 17). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.fragilex.org/
Fragile X syndrome. (2015, January 27). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/fragile-x-syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome. (2010, January 1). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org/genetic-diseases/fragile-x-syndrome/?_kk=what are the symptoms of fragile x&_kt=0af09c2d-1b24-47ef-8590-3753eb076ca6&gclid=Cj0KEQiAr9ymBRDdqYrH6Mj5170BEiQAcRUsi4a7kLiZY_XqbyD7EHkGr-aoxmlhwy0VKcjkJIuYcrkaAr1E8P8HAQ
National Fragile X Foundation. (2011, December 17). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.fragilex.org/
Rosemary Ash