Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is an inherited birth defect that causes mental abnormalities.

Fragile X syndrome occurs when there is a break in a single gene. The severity of the condition varies and a child may have slight learning disabilities, autism or severe mental retardation. Characteristic features include large ears, a long face, high arched palate, flat feet, seizures, heart murmurs, obsessive compulsive disorder, enlarged testicles, hyperactivity, speech complications, motor skill delays, emotional disturbances and behavior difficulties.

There is no cure for Fragile X syndrome, but various therapies can help the child developmentally. Because a child will have difficulty with speech and language, speech therapy is recommended as early as possible.