According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 1 in 54 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than girls. About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3-17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability.
The CDC states that Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common known cause of inherited intellectual disability and affects both males and females, with females having milder symptoms than males.
Autism is considered a common comorbid condition with Fragile X syndrome- it is estimated that he prevalence of ASD in Fragile X syndrome varies. some studies show a 50% relationship. While there are similar characteristics, the motivation appears to be for different reasons. For example, indiviuals with Fragile X Syndrome appear to avoid eye contact due to social anxiety and shyness while people with autism simply prefer to be left alone.
The following articles provide insightful information:
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Fragile X Syndrome– Further Inform Neurogenetic Disorders (FIND)
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Fragile X Syndrome Cooccurring Conditions and Current Treatment– Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Fragile X and Autism Factsheet– Synapse
Fragile X is a common cause of autism and intellectual disabilities– UC Davis Health
Fragile X symptoms don’t add up to autism studies suggest– European Fragile X Network
Fragile X Syndrome and Autism– Interactive Autism Network
Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder- Otsimo
Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Similarities and Differences– National Fragile X Syndrome
The Fragile X Syndrome Autism Comorbidity: What do we really know? – National Institute of Health
What can we learn about Autism from studying Fragile X Syndrome?– Developmental Neuroscience
Love this information, this is needed, my opinion, in our society, as so many not only don’t pay attention to these ‘diagnosis’, but unless they know someone who these are present with, would never look for information about these. Very informative & interesting to read. All should be given the opportunity to have this at their opportunity to read about & learn.