Fragile X Syndrome Analysis

Fragile X Syndrome and effects on learning and development “Fragile X syndrome is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability” (Lizbeth H. Finestack, 2009). A single gene mutation on the X chromosome causes the syndrome. It affects about 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6,000 to 8,000 females. (Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and, 2006). Fragile X affects all races and ethnicities. Fragile X syndrome varies in in severity. Most children with fragile X have some type of learning disability and behavioral difficulties. No cure is available for the syndrome however, evidence does show that behavioral and education treatment is beneficial to the children with Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic

(Brenda Finucane, Knowledge and Perceptions About Fragile X Syndrome:, 2013) Children with Fragile X also suffer from frequent ear infections and sinusitis, low muscle tone, gastro-esophageal reflux connective tissue issues such as scoliosis, flat feet, high arched palate, double-jointed fingers and hyper-flexible joints. Children with Fragile X also display specific behavioral characteristics. Behavioral disorders such as ADD, ADHD, autism and autistic behaviors are common in these children. (Brenda Finucane, Knowledge and Perceptions About Fragile X Syndrome:, 2013) Children with fragile X often exhibit social anxiety and other autistic behaviors such as hand-biting and/or flapping, poor eye contact, sensory processing disorders and social aggression. The way children with Fragile X see and hear is experiences much more intensely due to the alterations of cells in their brains. Because of this the child with fragile X responds to stimuli differently than the typical child. Colors, lights and sounds might aggravate and scare a child with Fragile X. Anxiety and aggression in these children may stem from their response to the stimuli and frustration of not being

However, an individualized treatment plan, during early childhood, can assist children in reaching their potential. (Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and, 2006) Early intervention is highly recommended for children with Fragile X. It has been shown that the majority of children with fragile X syndrome benefit from a specialized treatment team of health professionals and special educators. The team generally includes speech/language therapists, physical and occupational therapists, special educators, psychologists and pediatricians. (Brenda Finucane, Knowledge and Perceptions About Fragile X Syndrome:, 2013) While there is currently no medications for Fragile X syndrome there are medications that help relieve certain symptoms caused by the syndrome. There are many medications that help to improve the behavioral issues that accompany Fragile X. The medications make it so that the children have a better opportunity to learn. Medications commonly used for the treatment of fragile X symptoms include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics and stimulants. Antidepressants help children manage the anxiety and mood disorders that often come with Fragile X syndrome, stimulants such as Ritalin aid in calming the hyperactive symptoms and attention difficulties. Anti-seizure drugs are sometimes used to help battle behavior and mood problems and aggression as well as antipsychotics such as Aripiprazole. It has been shown that without