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
