Thursday, 5 February 2026
Module: Understanding Fragile X Syndrome
1. Title
Fragile X Syndrome – Learning, Behaviors, and Genetic Impact
2. Overview
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects learning, behaviors, communication, and development. It is the most common inherited cause of learning disabilities.
The condition is caused by a change (mutation) in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, which affects brain development and functioning.
Fragile X affects people in different ways — some individuals have mild learning difficulties, while others may have more significant support needs.
3. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Understand what Fragile X Syndrome is
Identify key signs and characteristics
Explain the genetic cause
Recognize learning and behavioural impacts
Describe support strategies
Answer knowledge-check questions
4. What is Fragile X Syndrome?
Fragile X Syndrome is:
A genetic condition
Present from birth
Caused by a change in the FMR1 gene
The most common inherited cause of learning disabilities
It affects:
Learning
Behaviour
Communication
Social development
5. Learning and Development
People with Fragile X may:
Learn more slowly than peers
Have mild to severe learning difficulties
Take longer to walk or talk
Need extra time to understand information
Benefit from structured learning support
6. Behaviour and Emotions
Common behavioural characteristics include:
Anxiety and worry
Hyperactivity or restlessness
Difficulty focusing
Strong need for routine
Distress with change
Repetitive behaviours (rocking, hand-flapping)
Some individuals may also show traits linked to ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
7. Communication and Social Skills
People with Fragile X may find it hard to:
Make eye contact
Start conversations
Join group discussions
Understand social cues
Read emotions or body language
Speech and language delays are also common.
8. Physical Features
Not everyone has visible features, but some may have:
Long face
Large ears
Flat feet
Flexible joints
Low muscle tone
Physical traits vary from person to person.
9. Sensory Difficulties
Sensory processing challenges may include:
Sensitivity to loud noises
Distress from bright lights
Discomfort with certain fabrics
Overwhelm in busy environments
This is known as sensory overload.
10. Other Health Issues
Some individuals may experience:
Ear infections
Seizures (fits)
Eye conditions (e.g., crossed eyes)
Sleep difficulties
Not everyone will have these.
11. Causes of Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X is caused by:
A mutation in the FMR1 gene
Located on the X chromosome
The gene cannot produce enough FMRP protein
This protein is essential for brain development
Without it, learning and development are affected.
12. Inheritance
Fragile X can be inherited through families
Sometimes it occurs spontaneously
It follows an X-linked inheritance pattern
This means males are often more severely affected than females.
13. Diagnosis
Fragile X is diagnosed through:
A genetic blood test
Doctors may recommend testing if a child shows:
Developmental delays
Autism traits
Speech delays
Learning difficulties
14. Is There a Cure?
There is no cure for Fragile X Syndrome.
However, support can greatly improve quality of life.
15. Support and Interventions
Helpful supports include:
Speech Therapy
Improves communication skills
Occupational Therapy
Supports motor skills and sensory needs
Behaviors Support
Helps manage anxiety and routines
Special Education Support
Adapted learning strategies
Classroom accommodations
Early intervention is very beneficial.
16. Key Takeaways
Fragile X is a genetic condition
Caused by an FMR1 gene mutation
Affects learning, behaviour, and communication
Severity varies widely
No cure, but support helps significantly
Genetic testing confirms diagnosis
Module Questions (Knowledge Check)
Section A – Recall Questions
What type of condition is Fragile X Syndrome?
Which gene is affected?
On which chromosome is the gene located?
Is Fragile X inherited, spontaneous, or both?
What protein is affected in Fragile X?
Section B – Learning and Behaviour
How can Fragile X affect learning?
Name two behavioural characteristics.
Why might routines be important?
What co-occurring conditions are common?
Section C – Communication
List two social communication difficulties.
Why might conversations be challenging?
Section D – Physical and Sensory
Name two physical features sometimes seen.
What is sensory overload?
Give one sensory sensitivity example.
Section E – Health and Diagnosis
How is Fragile X diagnosed?
Name one additional health issue linked to Fragile X.
Section F – Support
Name two therapies that help.
How does occupational therapy support individuals?
Why is early support important?
Reflection / Discussion Questions
(For classroom or workbook use)
How might Fragile X affect school life?
What classroom adjustments could help?
How can peers be supportive?
Why is understanding genetic conditions important?
If you’d like, next we can convert this into:
Easy Read module
Quiz answer sheet
PowerPoint lesson
Printable workbook
Syndrome comparison (e.g., Fragile X vs DiGeorge vs Williams)
Just let me know 👍
Bottom of Form
Module: Understanding Fragile X Syndrome
1. Title
Fragile X Syndrome – Learning, Behaviour, and Genetic Impact
2. Overview
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects learning, behaviour, communication, and development. It is the most common inherited cause of learning disabilities.
The condition is caused by a change (mutation) in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, which affects brain development and functioning.
Fragile X affects people in different ways — some individuals have mild learning difficulties, while others may have more significant support needs.
3. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, learners should be able to:
Understand what Fragile X Syndrome is
Identify key signs and characteristics
Explain the genetic cause
Recognize learning and behavioural impacts
Describe support strategies
Answer knowledge-check questions
4. What is Fragile X Syndrome?
Fragile X Syndrome is:
A genetic condition
Present from birth
Caused by a change in the FMR1 gene
The most common inherited cause of learning disabilities
It affects:
Learning
Behaviour
Communication
Social development
5. Learning and Development
People with Fragile X may:
Learn more slowly than peers
Have mild to severe learning difficulties
Take longer to walk or talk
Need extra time to understand information
Benefit from structured learning support
6. Behaviour and Emotions
Common behavioural characteristics include:
Anxiety and worry
Hyperactivity or restlessness
Difficulty focusing
Strong need for routine
Distress with change
Repetitive behaviours (rocking, hand-flapping)
Some individuals may also show traits linked to ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
7. Communication and Social Skills
People with Fragile X may find it hard to:
Make eye contact
Start conversations
Join group discussions
Understand social cues
Read emotions or body language
Speech and language delays are also common.
8. Physical Features
Not everyone has visible features, but some may have:
Long face
Large ears
Flat feet
Flexible joints
Low muscle tone
Physical traits vary from person to person.
9. Sensory Difficulties
Sensory processing challenges may include:
Sensitivity to loud noises
Distress from bright lights
Discomfort with certain fabrics
Overwhelm in busy environments
This is known as sensory overload.
10. Other Health Issues
Some individuals may experience:
Ear infections
Seizures (fits)
Eye conditions (e.g., crossed eyes)
Sleep difficulties
Not everyone will have these.
11. Causes of Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X is caused by:
A mutation in the FMR1 gene
Located on the X chromosome
The gene cannot produce enough FMRP protein
This protein is essential for brain development
Without it, learning and development are affected.
12. Inheritance
Fragile X can be inherited through families
Sometimes it occurs spontaneously
It follows an X-linked inheritance pattern
This means males are often more severely affected than females.
13. Diagnosis
Fragile X is diagnosed through:
A genetic blood test
Doctors may recommend testing if a child shows:
Developmental delays
Autism traits
Speech delays
Learning difficulties
14. Is There a Cure?
There is no cure for Fragile X Syndrome.
However, support can greatly improve quality of life.
15. Support and Interventions
Helpful supports include:
Speech Therapy
Improves communication skills
Occupational Therapy
Supports motor skills and sensory needs
Behaviour Support
Helps manage anxiety and routines
Special Education Support
Adapted learning strategies
Classroom accommodations
Early intervention is very beneficial.
16. Key Takeaways
Fragile X is a genetic condition
Caused by an FMR1 gene mutation
Affects learning, behaviour, and communication
Severity varies widely
No cure, but support helps significantly
Genetic testing confirms diagnosis
Module Questions (Knowledge Check)
Section A – Recall Questions
What type of condition is Fragile X Syndrome?
Which gene is affected?
On which chromosome is the gene located?
Is Fragile X inherited, spontaneous, or both?
What protein is affected in Fragile X?
Section B – Learning and Behaviour
How can Fragile X affect learning?
Name two behavioural characteristics.
Why might routines be important?
What co-occurring conditions are common?
Section C – Communication
List two social communication difficulties.
Why might conversations be challenging?
Section D – Physical and Sensory
Name two physical features sometimes seen.
What is sensory overload?
Give one sensory sensitivity example.
Section E – Health and Diagnosis
How is Fragile X diagnosed?
Name one additional health issue linked to Fragile X.
Section F – Support
Name two therapies that help.
How does occupational therapy support individuals?
Why is early support important?
Reflection / Discussion Questions
(For classroom or workbook use)
How might Fragile X affect school life?
What classroom adjustments could help?
How can peers be supportive?
Why is understanding genetic conditions important?
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