quackery, quackery myths

Quack Myths: Fragile X Syndrome is the Same as Autism

Aviva Seigler

*please excuse the ableism. These are not my terms, they are from the Fragile X society in the UK and the CDC.*

Fragile X syndrome  is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in children. It is a genetic condition where there are changes in a gene that scientists call the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene when it was first discovered. Nearly all cases are caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene where a DNA segment, known as the CGG triplet repeat, is expanded.  Normally, this DNA segment is repeated from 5 to 40 times. 

In people with fragile x syndrome, the CGG segment is repeated more than 200 times. FMR1 makes a protein called fragile x mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is essential for typical brain development. 

People with fragile x syndrome do not produce this protein. People who have other conditions related to fragile x have changes in their FMR1 gene but usually have some production. 

Approximately 1 in 4000 AMAB have Fragile X syndrome and 1 in 8000 AFAB have Fragile X Syndrome. 

Signs

  • Developmental delays such as not sitting, walking or talking at the same time as other children at the same age
  • learning disabilities
  • social and behavior differences such as no eye contact, anxiety, trouble paying attention, hand flapping, acting and speaking impulsively, very active. 

AMAB children who have fragile x syndrome usually are intellectually disabled that can range from mild to severe. AFAB with fragile x syndrome have normal intelligence or some degree of intellectual disability. 

Testing and Diagnosis

Fragile x syndrome can be detected by testing the person’s DNA through a blood test. A doctor or genetic counselor can order the test if fragile x syndrome is suspected. Testing is also done to find changes in the FMR1 gene that can lead to related conditions. 

A diagnosis can help people working with the child understand the child and educate themselves about fragile x syndrome. 

Fragile X Syndrome is Not Autism

Fragile X Syndrome and autism are very similar. Fragile X syndrome there is a genetic test.  Autism is just a description of patterns and characteristics with a genetic component but there is no know cause. Many behaviors that Fragile X syndrome people have are autistic like. Only 1/3 of people with fragile x syndrome have enough of these characteristics meet the autism diagnostic criteria. Only 2-6% of autistic people have fragile X syndrome. 

Traits in people with Fragile X syndrome are more subtle than in autistic people. Autistic people with fragile X tend to be more socially responsive. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fxs/facts.html

https://www.genome.gov/Genetic-Disorders/Fragile-X-Syndrome

https://www.fragilex.org.uk/fragile-x-and-autism

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Published by Aviva Seigler

Aviva Seigler is the executive director at Fierce Autistics and Allies. She is a writer, an activist, and an advocate. She is an LGBTQ+ autistic from South Florida, is married to a very supportive husband, and has six children. She has been fighting the CD protocol and other quack treatments since 2014. She is a veterinary technologist (LPN for pets). She has her associates and bachelors degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. She is very involved with scouting with her six children. Three of the children are autistic but all are Neurodivergent. Her hope is to bridge the gap between allies and autistics while fighting the pseudoscience that threatens all people, not just autistics.

3 thoughts on “Quack Myths: Fragile X Syndrome is the Same as Autism”

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