Authors: Jessica Klusek, Jinkuk Hong, Audra Sterling, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, and Marsha Mailick
At the time of this writing, three Fragile X specialty clinics are collecting supplemental information for FORWARD. They assess and collect longitudinal (over time) data on a group of tests to measure cognitive and behavioral function in the FXS population so that we can specifically understand the course of development in FXS. This is one of the two publications that was a result of those efforts.
Summary
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a group of behaviors that include repetitive movements, inflexible adherence to routines, ritualistic behavior, restricted interests, and unusual sensory interests. RRBs are a known domain of ASD but also affect individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as FXS. This study took at a look at what RRBs looked like in 154 individuals with FXS, 2–50 years old. Researchers examined the effect that age, ASD diagnosis, and IQ score had on RRB severity.
Unique RRB profiles emerging based on age and gender with increased severity of RRBs based on ASD diagnosis. Findings suggest a peak in RRBs between the ages of 7 and 12, the exception being sensory-motor behaviors, which appear to peak between the ages of 2 and 12 years old. An added diagnosis of ASD significantly increased repetitive behaviors in these individuals. IQ score alone did not seem to influence the presence of RRBs.
Why This Is Important
These findings contribute to specialists understanding of RRBs in FXS. Taking an individual’s diagnoses and sex into account may help clinicians assess and understand their restricted repetitive behaviors to form a treatment plan.
What Are the Next Steps
More research is needed to develop a deeper understanding of the effect IQ, gender, and ASD diagnosis have on the RRB profile of individuals with FXS and inform treatment. Looking at these behaviors over time may help professionals understand changes in RRBs in individuals with FXS over time.
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more research results
Cortical Gyrification and Its Relationships With Molecular Measures and Cognition in Children With the FMR1 Premutation
Jun Yi Wang and the study team out of the UC Davis MIND Institute are interested in learning more about the premutation carrier condition in relations to brain development and its impact on cognition. These mental processes impact the higher-level functions of the brain including language, learning new things, and making decisions.
Telehealth-Enabled Behavioral Treatment for Problem Behaviors in Boys With Fragile X Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Dr. Hall and his team at Stanford University are learning about potential behavioral treatments for problem behaviors. Previous research suggests that problem behaviors, like aggression, self-injury, and property destruction, may occur at higher rates in individuals with FXS.
A Genotype-Phenotype Study of High-Resolution FMR1 Nucleic Acid and Protein Analyses in Fragile X Patients with Neurobehavioral Assessments
We know that FMRP is expressed throughout our body, including our blood, tissues, and brain. Levels of FMRP in the blood of patients with FXS have been positively correlated with cognitive performance, specifically intelligence quotient and adaptive behavior.
Clustering of Comorbid Conditions Among Women Who Carry an FMR1 Premutation
RESEARCH RESULTS ROUNDUP — The authors sought to clarify how often other health-related conditions, such as migraines and sleep problems, occur among women with a premutation.
Cerebellar-Cortical Function and Connectivity during Sensorimotor Behavior in Aging FMR1 Gene Premutation Carriers
RESEARCH RESULTS ROUNDUP — Investigation into how aging as a premutation carrier of the FMR1 gene may affect sensorimotor (exactly as it sounds, both sensory and motor) brain systems.
Inhibition Deficits Are Modulated by Age and CGG Repeat Length in Carriers of the FMR1 Premutation Allele Who Are Mothers of Children with Fragile X Syndrome
RESEARCH RESULTS ROUNDUP — Older mothers of children with Fragile X syndrome who have mid-range CGG repeats (~80–100) may be at increased risk for difficulties with inhibition.