What is Fragile X Syndrome?
Fragile X Syndrome (FX) is a "genetic condition that can cause a range of learning and behavioral problems as well as physical issues, though these are usually less significant. Some children with fragile X have mild learning disabilities, while others have severe intellectual disability".
source: Boston Children's Hospital (www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/fragile-x-syndrome)
Fragile X Syndrome (FX) is a "genetic condition that can cause a range of learning and behavioral problems as well as physical issues, though these are usually less significant. Some children with fragile X have mild learning disabilities, while others have severe intellectual disability".
source: Boston Children's Hospital (www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/fragile-x-syndrome)
"Developing an IEP for Individuals with Fragile X Symdrome" by Marcia L. Braden, Ph.D
Brief Article Summary: The article that I have selected is all about developing IEPs for students with Fragile X Syndrome. The article discusses the laws attached to the creation of IEPs, first hand accounts from parents and teachers when consulting over the IEP development, and the steps that are important for a teacher to consider when approaching a student with FX. It discusses needs and programming goals, as well as a list of symptoms that interfere with the ability to learn. I believe that this article will be an excellent resource for us all to access because of the thorough details that it gives to developing an IEP, and the considerations that should be going into all disabilities; in this case, Fragile X.
*** This great resource can be accessed here: IEP Development for FXS
Brief Article Summary: The article that I have selected is all about developing IEPs for students with Fragile X Syndrome. The article discusses the laws attached to the creation of IEPs, first hand accounts from parents and teachers when consulting over the IEP development, and the steps that are important for a teacher to consider when approaching a student with FX. It discusses needs and programming goals, as well as a list of symptoms that interfere with the ability to learn. I believe that this article will be an excellent resource for us all to access because of the thorough details that it gives to developing an IEP, and the considerations that should be going into all disabilities; in this case, Fragile X.
*** This great resource can be accessed here: IEP Development for FXS
1. How does Fragile X impact the students ability to learn (through behavioural, cognitive, communicative, and social areas)?
Students with FX are solely visual learners, regardless of additional-external supports. One theory as to why is that visual supports "hold information for the person in an external place, freeing up thinking space and reducing anxiety" (www.fragilex.org) The use of visual support also reduces the stresses of social situations (reducing social anxiety), allowing for consistency, reliability, and an indirect approach to demands.
A student with Fragile X needs to learn how to manage their behaviours to the best of their ability. A lack of self-regulation has the possibility of "manifesting in aggressive outbursts or self-abusive behaviors. Difficulty handling transitions, new environments, and changes in routine present additional behavior challenges" (www.fragilex.org). Due to these behaviours, it is very important for a teaching staff to have a well established routine in place for the student, in hopes of reducing the number of outbursts. Using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) could allow these students to have their daily routine visually laid out in front of them, with any changes to the routine made aware at the earliest time possible.
Cognitively, a student with FX can have mild to severe intellectual disabilities, depending on the individual. There are areas of the brain that are lacking in functional ability, which needs to be addressed alongside learning programs to provide the best support possible. These students are likely to display cognitive deficits in several areas, including: "hyperactivity, short attention span, emotional problems including anxiety, social avoidance, poor eye contact, and hyperarousal to sensory stimuli" (www.ncbi,nml,gov).
Communication in students with FX is noticeably different from peers as well. Speech is described as "compulsive, narrative, and often perseverative. Short bursts of speech with disruptions in the flow, including repetitions of sounds, words, and phrases" (www.chp.edu). These students require visits with a Speech/Language Pathologist as early as possible, as well as throughout their educational years, to increase and maintain the students ability to communicate.
Students with FX are solely visual learners, regardless of additional-external supports. One theory as to why is that visual supports "hold information for the person in an external place, freeing up thinking space and reducing anxiety" (www.fragilex.org) The use of visual support also reduces the stresses of social situations (reducing social anxiety), allowing for consistency, reliability, and an indirect approach to demands.
A student with Fragile X needs to learn how to manage their behaviours to the best of their ability. A lack of self-regulation has the possibility of "manifesting in aggressive outbursts or self-abusive behaviors. Difficulty handling transitions, new environments, and changes in routine present additional behavior challenges" (www.fragilex.org). Due to these behaviours, it is very important for a teaching staff to have a well established routine in place for the student, in hopes of reducing the number of outbursts. Using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) could allow these students to have their daily routine visually laid out in front of them, with any changes to the routine made aware at the earliest time possible.
Cognitively, a student with FX can have mild to severe intellectual disabilities, depending on the individual. There are areas of the brain that are lacking in functional ability, which needs to be addressed alongside learning programs to provide the best support possible. These students are likely to display cognitive deficits in several areas, including: "hyperactivity, short attention span, emotional problems including anxiety, social avoidance, poor eye contact, and hyperarousal to sensory stimuli" (www.ncbi,nml,gov).
Communication in students with FX is noticeably different from peers as well. Speech is described as "compulsive, narrative, and often perseverative. Short bursts of speech with disruptions in the flow, including repetitions of sounds, words, and phrases" (www.chp.edu). These students require visits with a Speech/Language Pathologist as early as possible, as well as throughout their educational years, to increase and maintain the students ability to communicate.
2. How can a student with Fragile X be accommodated for within a classroom that has many other exceptionalities present?
Students with Fragile X are no different from any other student on an IEP; their needs will vary in each case, but there will need to be changes made to the curriculum in order to make the school day effective. Studies show that "females are generally higher functioning than males, though each sex typically has some learning disability",(www.chp.edu) which would make the needs of the student with FX impossible to miss. Accommodations are derived from a variety of areas for these students, with most requiring a special education classroom as their area of instruction. These accommodations include visual cues to supplement auditory input; verbal preparation for any changes to routine; minimizing auditory and visual distractions; using deep pressure techniques, which have a calming effect; increased processing time; working in short periods, rather than lengthy sessions (30 minutes is lengthy); and always reinforce good behaviour and educational progress. These accommodations are useful for a range of different exceptionalities, which makes the benefits achievable for all students in the class.
Students with Fragile X are no different from any other student on an IEP; their needs will vary in each case, but there will need to be changes made to the curriculum in order to make the school day effective. Studies show that "females are generally higher functioning than males, though each sex typically has some learning disability",(www.chp.edu) which would make the needs of the student with FX impossible to miss. Accommodations are derived from a variety of areas for these students, with most requiring a special education classroom as their area of instruction. These accommodations include visual cues to supplement auditory input; verbal preparation for any changes to routine; minimizing auditory and visual distractions; using deep pressure techniques, which have a calming effect; increased processing time; working in short periods, rather than lengthy sessions (30 minutes is lengthy); and always reinforce good behaviour and educational progress. These accommodations are useful for a range of different exceptionalities, which makes the benefits achievable for all students in the class.
3. What supports exist for parents and teachers that would help with the educational advances for a student with Fragile X? Are their supports or agencies that have researched the best approaches to teach students with this less frequently seen exceptionality?
Supports for parents and teachers of a student with Fragile X:
There are a plethora of supports for families and teachers of an individual with Fragile X Syndrome. Agencies and Support groups are readily available to help in any situation, whether it is a social community to become involved in, or a respite worker to allow support for the individual while the family reconnects. No teacher or parent should feel lost or unaware of resources available to help a student or loved one with Fragile X Syndrome.
Supports for parents and teachers of a student with Fragile X:
- Lesson Planning Guide for Students with Fragile X Syndrome
- 10 Tips for a Teacher Working with a Student with Fragile X Syndrome
- Special Education Support Services: Strategies for Learning and Teaching
- Fragile X Syndrome: An Introductory Guide to Educational Needs
- International Support Groups for Families of an Individual with Fragile X Syndrome
- Developing IEPs for Students with Fragile X
There are a plethora of supports for families and teachers of an individual with Fragile X Syndrome. Agencies and Support groups are readily available to help in any situation, whether it is a social community to become involved in, or a respite worker to allow support for the individual while the family reconnects. No teacher or parent should feel lost or unaware of resources available to help a student or loved one with Fragile X Syndrome.