What is Fragile X syndrome?
Fragile X is the most common known cause of inherited learning disability affecting one in 4,000 boys and one in 6,000 girls. People with Fragile X can have mild to severe learning disabilities. Their speech and language development may be delayed and they can experience anxiety in social situations.
Behaviours associated with Fragile X can include a short attention span, impulsiveness, overactivity, dislike of eye contact, difficulty in relating to other people, the need for a familiar routine, repetitive speech and hand flapping or hand biting.
Some of these are similar to difficulties that people with autism may experience. However, autism and Fragile X syndrome are two different diagnoses: some people with Fragile X are also diagnosed with autism, and vice versa.
Where can I get more information?
The Fragile X Society has a support and information service for people with Fragile X, their parents, carers and families, and professionals working with them.
Tel: 01371 875 100 (open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.fragilex.org.uk
Adapted and reproduced by kind permission of the Fragile X Society