- - - - - - - - a high incidence of "lazy eye." Orthopedic diffi­culties related to flat feet and joint laxity may occur. Twenty percent of males with Fragile X are prone to seizures. In addition, many children with Fragile X have digestive disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux, that causes gagging, regurgitation, and discomfort. Education of Children with Fragile X Even at a young age, children with Fragile X tend to be good at imitation and to be very so­cial. Consequently, they can benefit immensely from early intervention programs and prolonged contact with children who are developing nor­mally. Congressional legislation (Public Law 99­457) mandates early intervention services for children with developmental delays, ages 3 to 5 years; in some states this includes younger chil­dren. Parents and educators should be aware that many children with Fragile X achieve above the level that would have been predicted from meas­ured IQ, and it is important for parents and educators to help these children reach their maximum potential. Children with Fragile X with an IQ above 70 generally do best when mainstreamed into a well-organized classroom environment with individualized help from spe­cial education experts and other professionals. Cooperative instruction, using peers to help teach, often relieves some of the stress of the classroom environment and the teacher-child relationship. Additional Therapies To counter the sensory integration difficulties of children with Fragile X, a wide range of strate­gies has been employed. Minimizing exposure to noise and odors may prevent over stimulation. Therapeutic calming techniques, such as music therapy, can also be used. It may be helpful to make special efforts to provide structure in the immediate environment and in day-to-day activi­ties. Children with Fragile X often develop their own routines. Occupational therapists specializ­ing in sensory integration therapy can work with children with Fragile X to help them organize environmental stimuli and to improve their response to formal education. The strength of their visual memory means that children with Fragile X process information better when they are presented with whole pic­tures rather than when information is presented orally or sequentially, as in normal reading. As a result, use of pictures, message boards, calcula­tors, and other visual devices may be helpful. Some children with Fragile X learn sign lan­guage, a visual system. Computer software is now available for learning basic concepts in language and math using high-interest visual themes. Psychology professionals warn against the ten­dency to assume that all characteristics of a child with Fragile X stem directly from the Fragile X syndrome. The emotional difficulties of an indi­vidual with Fragile X may include insecurity and anxiety related to having a disability. These strategies are only a few that specialists have developed to help children with Fragile X. Parents and other individuals working with these children should make use of their assets, such as their positive outlook on life and love of other people. Children with Fragile X should be encouraged to express their feelings openly even when they have difficulty using words. FRAGILE X RESOURCES— Books, Videos, and Websites: Spelling Love with an X: A Mother, a Son, and the Gene That Binds Them (2007) Clare Dunsford draws on poetry and science to reflect on her life with J.P. and to illuminate his metaphoric way of communicat­ing. Wrightslaw: 2004 (2006) Peter and Pamela Wright, founders of the Wrightslaw Web site. This is an invaluable resource for every parent that has a child in special education. Educating Children with Fragile X Syndrome (2004) Edited by Denise Dew-Hughes in Associa­tion with the Fragile X Society, UK. This book benefits from the expertise of an international field of researchers, whose variety of perspectives contribute to their unique, multi-professional approach. X Stories: The Personal Side of fragile X syndrome (2006) Charles Luckmann and Paul Piper have added greatly to the growing body of literature about living with fragile X. The Source® for Fragile X Syndrome (2004) by Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D. and Dale Fast, Ph.D. An excel­lent book for explaining the nature of fragile X, its effect on speech-language develop­ment and related issues. Online Video to Understanding Fragile X syndrome... Please see this Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) brief video about what causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Click here to view a video about what causes fragile X syndrome (Press CTL + Click on Mouse to view) [transcript of video] HELPFUL WEBSITES RESOURCES: Conquer Fragile X Foundation (CFXF) Pro­motes the development of international fragile X research collaborations to increase the capacity and skills of fragile X labs and researchers around the world. Fragile X Research Foundation (FRAXA) The Fragile X Research Foundation supports families affected by fragile X and raises aware­ness of the disease. National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF) The National Fragile X Foundation is an organi­zation that unites the fragile X community through educational and emotional support and referral networks. NFXF promotes public and professional awareness. National Institute of Child Health and Develop­ment – Families and Fragile X Syndrome (NICHD) is a research agency that is part of the National Institutes of Health. This site provides some general information about fragile X syn­drome, its causes, its features, and its treatments. Univ. of Calif., Davis - Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Insti­tute – Fragile X Research and Treatment Center An international research organization focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders. The Fragile X Research and Treatment Center was established at the M.I.N.D. Institute in 2001.