Fragile X Syndrome Essay - 1159 Words

There are many forms of mental retardation. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines mental retardation as â€Å"a condition, usually congenital, characterized by subnormal intelligence† (Agnes, p404). Mental retardation can be caused by a certain birth defect due to a traumatic event during the mother’s pregnancy, or mental retardation can also be inherited. The most common inherited form of mental retardation is Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X Syndrome was identified in the year 1991. This disability affects more males than females. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males are affected, however only 1 in 8,000 females are affected (Lombroso, 2003). Fragile X generates in the FMR1 gene. Fragile X is caused by an excessively repeating tri-nucleotide,†¦show more content†¦POF can lead to early menopause or infertility in females with Fragile X. Speech and language can be two strengths in girls with Fragile X. Verbal skills in girls with FX are also generally good with no speech problems. The area of conversational skills could be a weakness for girls with Fragile X (NFXF, 2005). There are many characteristics as you look at both the male and female side of the disability. One main characteristic is that many people with Fragile X also have autism, or possess many behaviors that are autistic-like (NFXF, 2006). Autism is defined as â€Å"a developmental disorder marked by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, etcâ€Å"(Agnes, p43). About 2 to 6% of children with Autism have Autism because of Fragile X. About one-third of children with Fragile X have Autism (NFXF, 2006). Also, many people with Fragile X can be confused to have Downs Syndrome. The physical characteristics of Fragile X can be similar to Downs Syndrome. These Fragile X Syndrome 5 characteristics can consist of prominent ears and forehead, high palate, flat feet, and flexible finger joints (FX Syndrome, 2007). Although many characteristics are similar to Downs Syndrome, children with Fragile X have been found to have fewer mistakes in many areas of speech than the children with Downs Syndrome (Roberts, et al., 2005). Other characteristics can range from learning disabilities to moreShow MoreRelatedThe Genetic Mutation Fragile X Syndrome Essay922 Words   |  4 PagesThe genetic mutation Fragile X syndrome is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disability. Because the disease was first studied in 1943 by British physician James Purdon Martin and British human geneticist named Julia Bell, Fragile X is also referred to as Martin-Bell syndrome. Though it was not until 1969 that scientist Herbert Lubs discovered what exactly causes Fragile X syndrome. He explained that those who obtain the mutation will possess an X chromosome with an unusual gapRe ad MoreCommunicating with Fragile X Syndrome Children Essay2092 Words   |  9 Pages000 males and 1 in 8,000 females are affected by Fragile X Syndrome(CDC)? Fragile X Syndrome affects does not only affect the young or the old but it will affect anyone of any age. Children who have Fragile X Syndrome can learn many different ways of communicating with others. Also there are many ways to help a Fragile X children become more socially active. There are many ways to help Fragile X Syndrome children to communicate. Fragile X Syndrome effects people of all ages from birth till deathRead More The Neurobiology of Mental Retardation: Fragile X Syndrome Essay1549 Words   |  7 PagesRetardation: Fragile X Syndrome In my previous paper, I wrote on the topic of the nature-nurture debate and the ways it related to the brain-equals-behavior dilemma. In this paper, I will continue this investigation into the link between genes and neurobiology, but I will focus in on a particular aspect of the relationship: neurological disease caused by genetic aberration. There are many well studied and well documented (thought not necessarily well understood) disorders associated with the X chromosomeRead MoreEssay on Fragile X Syndrome1374 Words   |  6 Pagesmental impairment is Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X Syndrome is a mental retardation that affects social, learning and intellectual disabilities. It is a result of a change and mutation in a single gene, which can be pasted on to future generations. Symptoms arise when the mutated gene, FMR1, cannot produce enough of the protein, FMRP, that the body’s cells need to function. The symptoms can vary from each affected individual depending on how seve re the gene mutation is. Fragile X causes symptoms suchRead MoreThe Genetic Mutation Fragile X Syndrome Essay960 Words   |  4 PagesThe genetic mutation Fragile X syndrome occurs on a segment of human DNA. Because the disease was first studied in 1943 by British physician James Purdon Martin and British human geneticist named Julia Bell, Fragile X is also referred to as Martin-Bell syndrome. Though it was not until 1969 that scientist Herbert Lubs discovered what exactly causes Fragile X syndrome. He explained that those who obtain the mutation will possess an X chromosome with an unusual gap. The gap located on the chromosomeRead MoreFragile X Disease Essay1587 Words   |  7 PagesFragile X is a disease which severely influences the everyday lives of those affected by it. It is a disease which unfortunately limits an individual in several respects. Physical symptoms include an elongated face with larger than normal ears and feet. Additionally, the individual will have a d ifficult time interacting with others due to shyness and trouble with processing faces, thus encountering behavioral road blocks. Most importantly, the individual may have intellectual disabilities such asRead MorePrevention For Disease Control And Prevention1428 Words   |  6 Pagesestablished which may be accessible and available in the next years to come (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome FRAXXA, one of the leading companies that is in search for a cure to FXS does its best to extensively study and analyze fragile X syndrome. Although it is true that there is no cure for fragile X syndrome yet, there are now available procedures and intervention programs that are meant to control the progress of the condition. These breakthroughsRead MoreReflection On Fagile X Syndrome751 Words   |  4 Pagestwo presented over Fragile X Syndrome. I will be honest, most of this section will be from what I read from the slides (or past knowledge presented) because I could not follow that presentation—but I will talk more about why in the process section. Fragile X is the most common INHERITED cause of intellectual disabilities. It affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. The reason it affects more males than females is because the syndrome is caused from a mutation on the â€Å"X† sex chromosome. SinceRead MoreWhat is Autism?1999 Words   |  8 Pages 5671). Fr agile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and is universally recognized as the monogenic cause of Autism. The gene responsible for Fragile X Syndrome, FMR1, is located on the long arm of the X chromosome. It contains a CGG repeat sequence in the 5’-untranslated region that, on expansion to greater than 200 repeats, results in gene methylation and transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene. The absence of its protein product, fragile X mental retardationRead MoreThe Genetic Factors of Learning Disabilities Essay3049 Words   |  13 Pageslearning disorder that I would like to discuss is Fragile X syndrome. Fragile X, often called Martin-Bell syndrome for it’s the man who discovered it is a trinucleotide repeat disorder that is found on the sex chromosome X. Fragile X was discovered by Bell in 1943 after he examined a family in which all the boys showed signs of mental retardation. He discovered that the boys X chromosome he fo und that the long arm had become thin and fragile looking. Fragile X affects the genders separately due to its location