Dustin+P.



citris-uc.org

Fragile X syndrome is an X chromosome defect that gives the person mental retardation and a variety of other symptoms. This is the second most common identifiable cause of mental retardation second to downs syndrome. It was identified by geneticist Herbert Lubs. He observed effect the chromosomal defect in 1969. Some chromosomes tear or break in laboratories during testing; these areas are called fragile sites. It’s the most common inherited mental impairment, the conditions of this syndrome range from learning disabilities to much more sever cognitive or intellectual disabilities, also known as mental retardation. It is also the most common cause of autism. The symptoms also include behavioral and characteristic physical features and can delay language and speech development. The gene in the brain usually makes proteins you need for the brain to develop. But this mutation causes the person to have little or no protein, which is a symptom of fragile x. some major symptom are intelligence problems, which can be learning disabilities to severe mental retardation and also social and emotional problems, which consist of aggression for boys and shyness for girls. Although a person has fragile X syndrome aprox. 15% of males with fragile X have an I.Q. of 70. Fragile X has no cure for it. You can treat some symptoms with educational, behavioral or physical therapy and with some meds. The earlier you get treatment the better.