Fragile X Syndrome (original) (raw)

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Summary

Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited developmental disability. A problem with a specific gene causes the disease. Normally, the gene makes a protein you need for brain development. But the problem causes a person to make little or none of the protein. This causes the symptoms of Fragile X.

People with only a small change in the gene might not show any signs of Fragile X. People with bigger changes can have severe symptoms. These might include:

• Intelligence problems, ranging from learning disabilities to severe intellectual disabilities
• Social and emotional problems, such as aggression in boys or shyness in girls
• Speech and language problems, especially in boys

A genetic blood test can diagnose Fragile X. There is no cure. You can treat some symptoms with educational, behavioral, or physical therapy, and with medicines. Getting treatment early can help.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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• Fragile X 101 (National Fragile X Foundation)

• What Are the Symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome? (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Also in Spanish

• How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Fragile X Syndrome? (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Also in Spanish

• What Are the Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome? (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Also in Spanish

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Fragile X Syndrome (National Institutes of Health)

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Also in Spanish

• Fragile X syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish