Fragile X Syndrome
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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 Syndrome Overview
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
- Fragile X-Associated Disorders (FXD): A Handbook for Families, Health Care Providers, Counselors, and Educators (National Fragile X Foundation) - PDF
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Learning about Fragile X Syndrome
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- What Should You Know about Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)? (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Symptoms
- Features of Fragile X Syndrome (National Fragile X Foundation)
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What Are the Symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Diagnosis and Tests
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How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Fragile X Syndrome?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Treatments and Therapies
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What Are the Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome (National Fragile X Foundation)
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Fragile X Syndrome: Other FAQs
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
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Fragile X-Associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI): Condition Information
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
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Fragile X-Associated Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
- Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) (National Fragile X Foundation)
Genetics
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Genetics Home Reference: fragile X syndrome
(National Library of Medicine)
- What It Means to be a Carrier (National Fragile X Foundation)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Fragile X Syndrome
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Find an Expert
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Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Women
- Fragile X-Associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI) (National Fragile X Foundation)
Patient Handouts
- Fragile X syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish