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Fragile X syndrome. By: Dustin King. Who gets it?. There is no specific group who can get the syndrome, but it is often more severe in males than in females because it effects the X chromosome. So because females have two X chromosomes, the effects are lessoned.
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Fragile X syndrome By: Dustin King
Who gets it? • There is no specific group who can get the syndrome, but it is often more severe in males than in females because it effects the X chromosome. So because females have two X chromosomes, the effects are lessoned. • It occurs 1 in 4000 In males and 1 in 8000 females. • Alternative names include • Martin-Bell syndrome and Marker X syndrome.
Symptoms • The main symptom of fragile X syndrome is mental retardation. • Some physical characteristics are -Large body size -Large forehead or ears with a prominent jaw. .In some cases, the physical characteristics are prominent enough to identify by looking at the affected person.
Is it deadly? • No. The disease is not lethal and the people who have fragile x syndrome live normal life spans.
Can someone be tested? • Yes. • A test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to diagnose FXS. • The test can be done at any age.
Treatment. • There is no specific treatment for FXS, but individuals who have it can be given specific education to help them operate at the highest level they can.
Support groups. • There are no support groups for fragile x syndrome specifically. There are, however broader support groups do exist to help children and adults effected with FXS, down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. • Such groups in our area include- • Camp maple leaf -- a summer camp for kids with disabilities. • The Penguin Project -- a theater group where children with disabilities are given a chance at the spotlight.
Other facts. • It is the most common form of inherited mental impairment. • It is caused by the repeating DNA segment CGG • The physical characteristics become more apparent with age.