What Is Fragile X?
5. Autism
In many patients, fragile X syndrome often coexists with autism. It has led to the screening for the FMR1 mutation whenever a child is diagnosed with autism. Among patients with fragile X syndrome, it is estimated that about 15% to 60% of these patients have concurrent autism spectrum disorder.
While fragile X syndrome patients often have difficulty forming a relationship with their peers, those with concurrent autism often have difficulties having a conversation even with those they are comfortable with. The best predictors of autism spectrum disorder among fragile X syndrome patients are avoidance and indifference. With both autism and fragile X present, there is often a lower IQ and greater language deficit. Animal models of fragile X were also observed to have autistic-like behaviors.
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