Understanding Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known single gene cause of autism spectrum disorder.
Facts about Fragile X Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome is an inherited, life-long condition
- People with Fragile x Syndrome have intellectual disability, behavioural and learning challenges, as well as certain physical characteristics
- Depending on how an individual’s FMR1 gene has been changed by Fragile X Syndrome depends whether they show symptoms of Fragile X or are carriers with no symptoms
- Fragile X Syndrome occurs in both males and females but females generally have milder symptoms than males
- Fragile X Syndrome is the leading known genetic cause of autism
What impacts can Fragile X Syndrome have?
People living with Fragile X Syndrome experience the effects throughout their lifetime. These effects will vary from person to person and may include:
- Intellectual and learning disability
- Speech delay or minimal speech
- Fine and gross motor delay, coordination difficulties
- Low muscle tone
- Anxiety, hyperarousal, ADHD, depression
- Autistic-like behaviours
- Aversion to touch, loud noises, bright lights & strong smells
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Mood instability
This information has been provided to us by the Fragile X Association.
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