The silent killer continues to claim lives
There are also organizations such as the National Fragile X Foundation that you can reach out to for further advice and resources.
Indeed, a lot of people with fragile X are able to conduct successful and fruitful lives on their own.
For parents that have recently discovered their child has fragile X, there are plenty of websites out there that can provide great advice on how to care for them.
Sources: (WebMD)
See also: Prader-Willi syndrome—the rare condition affecting infants and children
If, for whatever reason, you are looking to learn more about fragile X, you might consider joining a support group.
Many can go to school, have conversations, read books, learn new ideas, and finish tasks by themselves or with minimal assistance.
In general, the earlier you start treatment with a fragile X child, the better. Parents should work with doctors, teachers, and therapists to make a treatment program.
In terms of outlook, fragile X is not life threatening. The life expectancy of someone with this condition is about the same as someone who doesn’t have it.
Occupational therapy can help children with daily tasks, while medicines can help prevent seizures and manage ADD symptoms, such as hyperactivity.
For example, there are special education programs for children with fragile X that can help them learn more successfully. There is also speech and language therapy.
Unfortunately there is no cure for fragile X, but there are definitely treatments that can help children manage the symptoms of their condition.
When it comes to diagnosis, tests can be done as early as during pregnancy to determine whether a baby will be born with fragile X.
The doctor can also do a blood test once the baby is born for parents who are worried their child may be at risk and don’t want to wait for symptoms.
Interestingly, the fact that fragile X is genetic does not always mean it runs in families. The size of the FMR1 gene is key, and this can vary from one person to the next.
This means that the gene can become progressively larger over generations, and some people with fragile X will find no family history of the disease.
The FMR1 gene is responsible for the production of FMRP, the protein responsible for brain development.
There are also certain physical symptoms of fragile X. These include (but are not limited to): a long, narrow face, crossed or lazy eyes, and large ears.
Children with fragile X are also more likely to have autism than those without the condition. Indeed, fragile X can sometimes cause autism.
Children with fragile X either make too little of this protein, or none at all. Both boys and girls can be affected, although girls often present with fewer symptoms.
As the child grows older, other symptoms may start to appear. These might include temper tantrums, poor impulse control, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Fragile X toddlers may also struggle with language and speech, or show symptoms of social anxiety, such as hand flapping or avoiding eye contact.
Indeed, fragile X is estimated to affect between one in 8,000-11,000 females and between one in 4,000-7,000 males.
Fragile X can be difficult to diagnose, so it is not completely clear how many people are affected globally by the condition. However, we do know that it’s uncommon.
People born with fragile X syndrome usually begin to present symptoms around the age of two. There are certain things that a parent can look out for.
Fragile X syndrome, or Martin-Bell syndrome, is a rare genetic condition that affects a person’s learning, behavior, appearance, and general health.
"Fragile X syndrome" — have you ever heard of it? Don't beat yourself up if you haven't, because it's quite the rare condition. Fragile X is actually a genetic condition that affects a person's learning, behavior, and health. Thankfully, as mentioned, it is relatively rare, but that also means that awareness is low.
Let's change that. Check out this gallery to learn all about fragile X syndrome.
What exactly is fragile X syndrome?
Thousands of individuals are affected by it globally
HEALTH Genetic disorders
"Fragile X syndrome" — have you ever heard of it? Don't beat yourself up if you haven't, because it's quite the rare condition. Fragile X is actually a genetic condition that affects a person's learning, behavior, and health. Thankfully, as mentioned, it is relatively rare, but that also means that awareness is low.
Let's change that. Check out this gallery to learn all about fragile X syndrome.