Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition that causes varying degrees of mental impairment ranging from mild learning disabilities to mental retardation (cognitive impairment). FXS is the most common inherited form of cognitive impairment known and a leading known cause of autism. FXS is caused by one gene that interferes with the formation of a special protein normally found in the brain. As many as one in 151 women and one in 468 men are carriers of this gene, and it affects one in 3,600 to 4,000 boys and one in 4,000 to 6,000 girls.
Some characteristics (not all are always present) of Fragile X Syndrome are:
- Mild learning problems to severe cognitive impairment
- Behavior issues such as ADHD and ADD
- Autistic-like features such as poor social skills, poor eye contact, hand-biting and hand-flapping
- Shyness and social anxiety
- Prominent ears, prominent forehead and long narrow face
- Sensitivity to sounds or lights
- Difficulty adjusting to change
Some older adults with premutations (carriers) may develop a neurological condition called Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Often misdiagnosed as a "Parkinson's-like" condition, individuals may also have symptoms of ataxia, neuropathy and dementia. Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), commonly causes early menopause, is a condition that affects 20-25% of the female FXS carrier population. Learn more on our Resources page.
The Fragile X Clinic at the University of Michigan
Please call 734-764-0579 to make an appointment.
fragile-x-clinic.med.umich.edu/
Or
Donations can be
mailed to:
Fragile X Association of Michigan
P.O. Box 1414
Troy, MI 48099-1414
Make checks payable to: FXAM
Welcome to the Fragile X Association of Michigan
The Fragile X Association of Michigan is a National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF) Community Partner. The NFXF website is loaded with all the medical and technical information you need. (click on the logo above to go to the NFXF website).
The Fragile X Association of Michigan (FXAM)
unites the Fragile X community to:
- Enrich lives through educational and emotional support.
- Promote public and professional awareness.
- Advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X and it's associated disorders.
Who we are, check out our video HERE.
The Best Club You Never Wanted to Join
The History of the Fragile X Association of Michigan (FXAM).
Our next support meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2022
Go to our Support Page for more information.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date!
July 14-17, 2022
18th International
Fragile X Conference
San Diego, California
July 16, 2022
FXAM Moms:
Let's Do Lunch!
July 22, 2022
World Fragile X
Awareness Day
August 13, 2022
FXAM Family Picnic
September 17, 2022
FXAM Parents
Night Out
October 22, 2022
FXAM Father and Son Picnic/Play Day
Go to our Events Page
for more information
Past Events
May 21, 2022
Creative Arts Studio
January 19, 2021
Zoom Meeting
September 12, 2020
21st Annual
Golf Outing
July 22, 2020
Fragile X Research Roundup
May 29 - 30, 2020
Fragile X Syndrome Across the Lifespan
June 27, 2020
Premutation Carrier Issues
February 24-25, 2020
Advocacy Day
February 29, 2020
Roaring ’20s Gala
February 17, 2020
FXAM Playdate