Understanding Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is one of the main causes of child developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders. A premutated form of the same gene is also the basis for neurological disabilities in adults. This book breaks down the complex science of this genetic disorder and provides the facts and advice that every bewildered parent or professional needs to support individuals with Fragile X syndrome. This handbook offers a straightforward introduction that clearly explains the condition on both a scientific and practical level. With sections on diagnosis, symptoms and treatment, as well as discussions of various emotional and behavioral considerations, the book covers all aspects Fragile X syndrome, its implications, and the possibilities open to families affected by it. The book demonstrates how with the right therapies progress can be made and emphasizes how music can be used effectively to promote communication, interaction, fine motor skills and responsiveness in children with the condition. This is an essential reference tool for families of individuals with Fragile X syndrome, as well as therapists and healthcare professionals who are unfamiliar with the condition and looking to find out more.

This new book is an up-to-date review of the clinical, epidemiological, and cytogenetic aspects of the fragile X (Martin-Bell) syndrome--the most common genetic cause of mental retardation after Down syndrome. The book includes the latest research findings concerning diagnosis on the basis of the appearance of a fragile site in cultured lymphocytes. It assumes little prior knowledge of the subject, and provides a clearly written, easy-to-understand discussion previously unavailable in a single reference source. The book will be of special interest to molecular biologists, cytogeneticists, medical geneticists, and clinicians and other professionals working with the mentally handicapped.

MANAGEMENT OF GENETIC SYNDROMES THE MOST RECENT UPDATE TO ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL REFERENCES ON MEDICAL GENETICS Cassidy and Allanson’s Management of Genetic Syndromes, Fourth Edition is the latest version of a classic text in medical genetics. With newly covered disorders and cutting-edge, up-to-date information, this resource remains the most crucial reference on the management of genetic syndromes in the field of medical genetics for students, clinicians, caregivers, and researchers. The fourth edition includes current information on the identification of genetic syndromes (including newly developed diagnostic criteria), the genetic basis (including diagnostic testing), and the routine care and management for more than 60 genetic disorders. Written by experts, each chapter includes sections on: Incidence Diagnostic criteria Etiology, pathogenesis and genetics Diagnostic testing Differential diagnosis Manifestations and Management (by system) The book focuses on genetic syndromes, primarily those involving developmental disabilities and congenital defects. The chapter sections dealing with Manifestations and Management represents the centerpiece of each entry and is unmatched by other genetic syndrome references. Management of Genetic Syndromes is perfect for medical geneticists, genetic counselors, primary care physicians and all healthcare professionals seeking to stay current on the routine care and management of individuals with genetic disorders.

A tiny mutation on the X chromosome can shape a family’s history. Passed down from a “carrier” parent to a child, fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. Beyond that—and a rarity among genetic disorders—some fragile X carriers not only transmit the mutation but also experience related conditions themselves. In such cases, carriers can have tremors, infertility, and psychiatric disorders that complicate raising children with fragile X syndrome—and all too often, they suffer in silence. The Carriers investigates this common but still little-known genetic condition and its life-altering consequences. Anne Skomorowsky reveals how this disorder afflicts families across generations, telling the stories of the mothers and grandparents of fragile X patients and considering how genes interact with family dynamics. She interweaves the personal narratives and family histories of the people affected by fragile X disorders with clear and accessible explanations of the science behind them. Skomorowsky unpacks the latest research on the fragile X mutation and explores the history of its discovery. She highlights the roles of women as carriers, caregivers, and researchers who have made astonishing scientific breakthroughs over the last three decades. The Carriers is an essential book for fragile X families, including those just learning they are carriers, and for all readers interested in the complexities of heredity, the ethical dilemmas of genetic medicine, and the relationship between genes and personality.

Fragile X syndrome is believed to be the most common genetic cause of mental retardation, even more common than Down syndrome. It can result in a wide range of developmental delays, learning disabilities, and physical characteristics -- which all tend to be more pronounced in boys than in girls. At last, there is a comprehensive book on fragile X syndrome for parents. The first and only book of its kind, this book provides a complete, sensitive introduction to fragile X syndrome, an inherited, genetic condition caused by a mutation on the X-chromosome. This new guide is written by an experienced, caring group of parents, doctors, therapists, and teachers, who offer an in-depth look at the issues and concerns affecting children and their families.

Fragile X Syndrome: From Genetics to Targeted Treatment provides a structured overview of the molecular and clinical background of the disorder as well as treatment options. The book discusses the detailed molecular information on each of the pathways involved with sufficient details for all whose research touches this pathway. It provides a state-of-the-art update on all clinical aspects associated with this syndrome, including phenotype, diagnostics and epidemiology. It also includes an overview of the lessons learned from the preclinical research and pioneering trials on the fragile X syndrome for the investigators involved in clinical trials of neurodevelopmental disorders. This book is written for academic researchers, pharmaceutical investigators, and clinicians in the field who work on the disorder, and for researchers involved in clinical trials of the fragile X syndrome or related disorders. Provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular genetics, clinical trials, and treatment of Fragile X Syndrome Written for academic researchers, pharmaceutical investigators, and clinicians in the field Edited by international leaders in the field who have contributed greatly to the study of Fragile X Syndrome Directs the reader through complex issues surrounding FXS and draws the literature together for researchers and clinicians

Neuronal and Synaptic Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability provides the latest information on Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders that present in early childhood and affect how individuals communicate and relate to others and their surroundings. In addition, three quarters of ASD patients also manifest severe intellectual disability. Though certain genes have been implicated, ASDs remain largely a mystery, and research looking into causes and cellular deficits are crucial for better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite the prevalence and insidious nature of this disorder, this book remains to be an extensive resource of information and background on the state of current research in the field. The book serves as a reference for this purpose, and discusses the crucial role synaptic activity plays in proper brain function. In addition, the volume discusses the neurodevelopmental synaptopathies and serves as a resource for scientists and clinicians in all biomedical science specialties. This research has been crucial for recent studies that have provided a rationale for the development of pharmacological agents able to counteract functional synaptic anomalies and potentially ameliorate some ASD symptoms. Introduces the genetic and non-genetic causes of autism and associated intellectual disabilities Describes the genes implicated in autistic spectrum disorders and their function Considers major individual genetic causes of autism, Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and other autism spectrum disorders, as well as their classification as synaptopathies Presents a thorough discussion of the clinical aspects of multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and the experimental models that exist to study their pathophysiology in vitro and in vivo, including animal models and patient-derived stem cell culture

Fragile X Syndrome is thought to be the most common inherited cause of learning difficulties. However many people have never heard of it and those who have, including many of the professionals who work with those affected by it, have little knowledge or understanding of the condition. This book brings up to date research with information and advice from teachers who are discovering, first hand, the best ways of educating children with Fragile X. It is much needed support and advice that will help teachers to understand the child with Fragile X and encourage maximum educational progress. / While the book is aimed at teachers, it is also an excellent resource for parents, therapists and any professional working with a child who has Fragile X.