1. Fragile X syndrome By: Dustin King

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Is it deadly? No. The disease is not lethal and the people who have fragile x syndrome live normal life spans.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.