What is Fragile X ?

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known cause of inherited learning disabilities. It can cause a wide range of difficulties with learning, as well as social, language, attentional, emotional, and behavioral problems.

It is a genetic syndrome that results in a spectrum of characteristic physical and intellectual limitations, emotional and behavioral features which range in severity.

People who have Fragile X Syndrome will typically also have prominent characteristics as well as a learning disability. These include an elongated face, large or protruding ears, flat feet, larger testes (macroorchidism) and low muscle tone. Fragile X can lead to altered speech patterns (cluttered, nervous, repetitive speech) and behavioural characteristics which may include stereotypic movements such as hand-flapping or hand biting, delayed social development, particularly shyness, limited eye contact, memory problems, anxiety in social settings often leading to outbursts, and difficulty with face encoding.

Some individuals with Fragile X syndrome also meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. Not everyone with Fragile X syndrome has the same signs and symptoms. Even affected people in the same family don’t show the same symptoms.

Both men and women can be carriers of the syndrome and it occurs in all populations & ethnic groups.

The condition is transmitted on the X chromosome, one of the chains of genetic material which determines inherited characteristics. Under a microscope a Fragile X chromosome has an abnormal appearance at the tip. It looks as if the tip is breaking off but not quite separated. This abnormal appearance occurs at the site of the gene FMR-1, which does not function as it should. Since 1991 it has been possible to reliably diagnose Fragile X with a simple blood test.

It is more common is males than in females. This is because the X chromosome is one of a pair, which decides a child's gender. A boy has one X and one Y chromosome, while a girl has two X chromosomes. If a girl has one fragile X she also has a "good" one and it seems that the good chromosome can compensate to a varying degree for the effects of the fragile one. In this way girls may unknowingly carry and pass fragile X on to the next generation. A few men with a fragile X do not show any problems but pass it on to their daughters who may themselves show no symptoms but their children may still be at risk of being affected.

Understanding Fragile X Syndrome & how it can affect people who also have learning disabilities is essential to beginning the process of planning, preparing & providing appropriate support. At Dignity Group we have been successful in offering appropriate long term placements for people who have Fragile X Syndrome.

Contact us to find out more about
Dignity Group services for people with
Fragile X Syndrome

01243 811482