Fragile X Syndrome (cont.)
Speech and language
Language difficulties in children who have Fragile X range from mild
stuttering to more severe problems with basic language skills. Basic language
skills include the ability to pronounce words clearly, to speak and write using
words and grammar correctly, and to communicate in meaningful ways.
Females with Fragile X rarely have severe problems with speech or language.
In fact, many have vocabulary and grammar skills that are appropriate for their
age, which can help them learn to read and write. However, their social anxiety
and shyness may get in the way of communication. Some females with Fragile X
speak in a rambling, disorganized way or often get off the subject. Most males
with Fragile X have more serious problems expressing themselves. These
difficulties typically include problems speaking clearly and other problems with
language that can be moderate to severe. In terms of speech, males with Fragile
X often have problems coordinating the structures, vocal processes (such as
pitch, loudness, and tone), and movements needed for clear speech. They often
have difficulty receiving and processing spoken information, such as following
spoken directions, storing words and concepts for future use, and creating their
own meaningful responses to questions or comments.
Males with Fragile X may stutter or leave sounds out of their words. Many
repeat themselves, restart the same sentence many times, or ask the same
question again and again. Some may talk too fast, mumble, or speak in a loud,
high voice. Some of these difficulties may be due to sensory overload or social
anxiety, rather than a problem with the parts of the brain that control speech
and language.
Perhaps most importantly, males with Fragile X usually have difficulty using
speech and language in social contexts. They often seem unaware of
conversational "clues," such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body
language. As a result, they may speak out of turn, fail to answer a question, or
turn away because they aren't sure what to do. Unlike males with other
developmental disorders, like autism, males with Fragile X seem to be very
interested in communicating, but may experience sensory overload or social
overload when they try to hold a conversation.
For some children, language problems are more severe. Many children with
Fragile X begin talking later than expected. Most begin using words around age
four, but some may not talk until age of six or eight.6 Most talk
eventually, but some may remain nonverbal throughout life. For these nonverbal
children, a wide variety of picture-based and computer-based devices may help
them to communicate, which could also reduce behavior difficulties that result
from not being able to talk. Pictures, sign language, and generic gestures can
also be helpful for all children with Fragile X, before they start talking.
Next: Sensory »
- Amniocentesis - Learn about amniocentesis, a procedure that examines the chromosomes of the fetus to determine lung maturity, and the possiblities of birth defects.
- Learning Disabilities - Read about learning disabilities, like the skills affected such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and mathematics. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included.
- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) - Learn about premature ovarian failure (POF) - (the normal functioning of ovaries in women under 40 stop). Some causes of POF include follicle depletion or dysfunction.
Latest Medical News
Mental Health RSS