Educating Young Children with Fragile X Syndrome

When a team of elementary school teachers and therapists asked us to share strategies for working with young children who have Fragile X syndrome, we developed this session featuring tips, techniques, and stories. Katie Clapp, co-founder of FRAXA Research Foundation and parent of a young man with Fragile X, and Tracy Antonelli, whose two teenage boys have Fragile X, present this session to help teachers help children.

Fragile X syndrome is a truly unique disorder in many ways. We have learned much about learning styles and particular strengths and interests that people with Fragile X tend to share. We know which educational strategies to emphasize and which ones to avoid.

We hope you find this helpful.

---- Timestamps ----
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:52 What is Fragile X syndrome?
0:04:25 Major symptoms
0:08:36 Physical signs
0:10:41 What causes Fragile X syndrome?
0:13:51 Fragile X affects brain neurons at synapses
0:18:26 Fragile X inheritance
0:21:32 Fragile X vs Autism
0:24:50 Notable strengths & weaknesses
0:27:12 Fragile X learning style
0:28:41 Expect inconsistency
0:30:06 Strategies - Calming
0:32:45 Environmental triggers
0:34:49 Think "indirect"
0:38:26 Strategies - Attention
0:39:47 Educational strategies
0:47:08 Easing transitions
0:50:04 Closing thoughts

---- About FRAXA ----
FRAXA’s mission is to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X syndrome. We directly fund research grants and fellowships at top universities around the world. We partner with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, large and small, to bridge the gap between research discoveries and actual treatments.

Treatments for Fragile X are likely to help people affected by autism, Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders.

To learn more about FRAXA's Fragile X syndrome research, to get involved with Fragile X awareness and events or to donate to FRAXA research, visit www.fraxa.org

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