Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/fragilexsyndrome.html

Fragile X Syndrome

Also called: FRAXA, FXS
On this page

See, Play and Learn

  • No links available

Resources

Summary

Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited developmental disability. A problem with a specific gene causes the disease. Normally, the gene makes a protein you need for brain development. But the problem causes a person to make little or none of the protein. This causes the symptoms of Fragile X.

People with only a small change in the gene might not show any signs of Fragile X. People with bigger changes can have severe symptoms. These might include:

  • Intelligence problems, ranging from learning disabilities to severe intellectual disabilities
  • Social and emotional problems, such as aggression in boys or shyness in girls
  • Speech and language problems, especially in boys

A genetic blood test can diagnose Fragile X. There is no cure. You can treat some symptoms with educational, behavioral, or physical therapy, and with medicines. Getting treatment early can help.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Start Here

Symptoms

Diagnosis and Tests

Treatments and Therapies

Related Issues

Genetics

Clinical Trials

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Women

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.