Some of the early signs of FXS are developmental delays in all areas and ADHD. One may also see the physical feature of large ears or issues related to connective tissue, such as chronic ear infections.
In Males
Behavioral characteristics can include ADD, ADHD, autism and autistic behaviors, social anxiety, hand-biting and/or flapping, poor eye contact, sensory disorders, and increased risk for aggression.
Intellectual disabilities in FXS include a range from moderate learning disabilities to more severe intellectual disabilities. The majority of males with Fragile X syndrome demonstrate significant intellectual disability.
Physical features may include large ears, long face, soft skin, and large testicles (called “macroorchidism”) in post-pubertal males. Connective tissue problems may include ear infections, flat feet, high arched palate, double-jointed fingers, and hyper-flexible joints. No one individual will have all the features of FXS, and some features, such as a long face and macroorchidism, are more common after puberty.
Disposition: They are also very social and friendly, have excellent imitation skills, have a strong visual memory/long term memory, like to help others, are nice, thoughtful people, and have a wonderful sense of humor.
In Females
Behavioral characteristics seen in males can also be seen in females, though females often have milder intellectual disability and a milder presentation of the syndrome’s behavioral and physical features.
Intellectual disabilities: About one-third of females with FXS have a significant intellectual disability. Others may have moderate or mild learning disabilities, emotional/mental health issues, general anxiety, and/or social anxiety.
A small percentage of females who have the full mutation of the FMR1 gene that causes FXS will have no apparent signs of the condition—intellectual, behavioral, or physical. These females are often identified only after another family member has been diagnosed.
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