Fragile X Syndrome is the Number One Inherited Cause of Mental Retardation

There is a lot to think about before you have a baby. You will be faced with so many responsibilities after the birth of your baby. But what about before you have the baby? There are also things you need to consider. Some of this considerations should be your health, your finances, your choice of housing, your family and the family of the soon to be father's genetics. Yes, I said genetics, as in the gene pool, the DNA you both possess. The reason I am saying you should think about this is because I just learn of a syndrome called Fragile X Syndrome.

What is it, you ask? First let me tell you what it can cause. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of mental retardation. And it is the only known cause of autism. Boys are usually more severely affected by FXS. Most of the boys who has FXS has full mental retardation while only one-half to one third of girls born with it has significant intellectual impairment. The rest of the girls usually have normal IQ's or some learning disabilities. Plus, twenty percent of boys with FXS meets the full criteria for autism.

Now what causes it? Plain and simply put it is inherited.

All humans are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes. Chromosomes consist of genetic material that is necessary for the production of proteins which is used in the growth process of human, physical development and intellectual characteristics. The first twenty-two pairs of chromosomes are the same in both males and females. The remaining pair is the pair that determines ones sex, these chromosomes are called X and Y. Males have both an X chromosome and a Y chromosome. They receive the Y from their father and the X from their mother. Females inherit two X chromosomes, one from each parent. When one has FXS, the X chromosome is abnormal.

The reason why less women are affected by FXS is that since they have two X chromosomes, if one is affected they still have a spare one to help make up the loss of the protein needed.

The symptoms of FXS can include:

Mental impairment, from learning disabilities to full mental retardation,

Attention deficit and hyperactivity

Anxiety and unstable mood

Autistic behaviors