General: Fragile X is one of the few X linked traits that can be passed to both females and males. It would be hard to call this trait dominant or recessive, but it can stay hidden for generations. This is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. Males and females tend to have different symptoms, and strangely, if a girl receives the damaged X from her mother, it reacts differently than if she receives the damaged X from her father.
Chromosomal cause: This is caused by an X chromosome with a faulty gene. This malformation gives the chromosome a slightly "pinched" look, like the end of it could break off. Oddly, not everyone with this gene will suffer the characteristics. It may be passed on for generations without anyone suffering from problems. Males and females both can be carriers, and males and females can both have the traits. Because of the spare X in females, males are twice as likely to have this trait.
Characteristics: Boys are more affected by this disorder than girls are because they don't have the spare chromosome to rely on. Most people with fragile X syndrome will either be somewhat or moderately retarded. In some cases, the child is labeled as autistic. The child will have mental impairment,and commonly have attention deficit and hyperactivity. Because of these things, there is a tendency toward anxiety and unstable moods. Physically, they tend to have a long face, large ears, flat feet, and
overly-flexible joints, especially the fingers. Some with fragile X will have epilepsy.
Fragile X Syndrome
