Fragile X syndrome

Developmental Disability

The most common inherited form of mental retardation caused by a defect in a specific part of the Fragile X Mental Retardation -1 gene that causes the body to produce low amounts or none of a certain protein. Without the protein, the brain doesn’t develop normally.

Symptoms:

Intelligence problems, ranging from learning disabilities to severe mental retardation

Social and emotional problems, such as aggression in boys or shyness in girls

Speech and language problems, especially in boys

Treatment: Because a young child's brain is still forming, early intervention gives children the best start possible and the best chance of developing their full potential. Speech and language, behavior, cognitive development, sensory integration, gross motor development, and daily living are areas that often need to be addressed for someone with fragile X syndrome. While many of these areas require physical and behavioral intervention, medication is often an important component of the treatment.