FRAGILE X SYNDROME 

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Fragile X Syndrome (also known as Martin-Bell syndrome) is a genetic condition resulting in physical, intellectual, emotional and behavioural problems. Fragile X can be passed on genetically within families, and is particularly common in boys.

This is the most common cause of inherited mental impairment and can range from learning disabilities to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Symptoms can also be physical and behavioural and frequently include a delay in speech and language development. People often describe children with this syndrome as having characteristics similar to autism.

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• Speech and language delay

• Decreased eye contact

• hyperactive behaviour

• hand clapping or biting

• Impaired cognitive functioning

• Large body size

• low muscle tone

• long face with large forehead and ears

• Flat feet

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Language and communication skills are an integral part of life, enabling a child to form meaningful relationships and friendships, and to express needs, wants and emotions. Language skills are also key to learning well in the classroom.

Children with a diagnosis of Fragile X can have a range of language difficulties. A child could have a mild stutter through to difficulty pronouncing words clearly or they may not be able to talk at all. Most importantly, they have a very difficult time using their language appropriately in a social context. They may find it difficult to read ‘hidden’ cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Due to this, they may be isolated from their peers due to interrupting, not ‘getting’ the joke, or not responding to others when they speak to them.

In the area of language, boys are often more severely affected than girls, but with the proper intervention both genders are able to make significant gains.

 

We target language, learning and behaviour, rather than dealing with generic definitions of conditions. This means that our focus is on your child’s individual needs and then equipping you and them with the skills they need to thrive.

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In the case of Fragile X Syndrome (and so many other acquired conditions, disorders and behavioural problems) language and communication are often a significant part of the underlying problem.

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NETwork Interventions specialise in Verbal Behaviour and has years of experience helping children with Fragile X learn new communication, social and language skills and replace problem behaviours with healthy, age appropriate behaviour patterns. This can include preventing the development of further anxieties and shyness, teaching socialisation skills and enabling your child to communicate more freely and express themselves with greater confidence.

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Our starting point is to undertake a thorough assessment of your child to enable us to pinpoint the exact nature of the deficits. The process then involves us providing you with a comprehensive report outlining our proposed strategy for helping your child. This includes a realistic and honest appraisal of what we think your child can achieve, and the costs and time scales involved in getting there.

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Most families of children with Fragile X who come to us initially thought their children had autism as most children develop typically until around 18 months – 3 years old.

With the right intervention, children with a diagnosis of Fragile X can go on to integrate into school, attend higher education, have successful careers and relationships. Each child we meet has the capacity to reach their unique potential.