What is Fragile X?

Most people have never heard of Fragile X Syndrome, but it is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. It is more common than well-known genetic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and almost as common as Downs Syndrome.

Fragile X is a single gene disorder carried by at least 1 in 250 women and affects at least 1 in 2500 males and 1 in 4000 females. Many people are not yet diagnosed due to lack of awareness about the syndrome. Fragile X can cause an array of mild to severe symptoms including learning disabilities, epileptic seizures, hyper-activity, mood instability, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, social shyness and extreme anxiety.

Comparative Data:

• Cystic Fibrosis affects 1 in 3,000 people.
• Autism affects 6 in 10,000 people.
• Down Syndrome affects 1 in 700 people
• Fragile X affects approximately 1 in 3,300 boys,
  and 1 in 5,000 - 6,000 girls.

Note: Rates may be twice this as many remain untested.