​​Early Life Language Development in Fragile X Syndrome

Amie Milunovich
Amie Milunovich

05 mins read

We are excited to share journal publications like this that resulted from FORWARD data. Many more papers are currently being developed, and the future of Fragile X syndrome research is bright as more data is gathered. FORWARD-MARCH is the next step, and we will collect more detailed information.

A Pilot Quantitative Evaluation of Early Life Language Development in Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract

Language delay and communication deficits are a core characteristic of the Fragile X syndrome (FXS) phenotype. To date, the literature examining early language development in FXS is limited potentially due to barriers in language assessment in very young children. The present study is one of the first to examine early language development through vocal production and the language learning environment in infants and toddlers with FXS utilizing an automated vocal analysis system. Child vocalizations, conversational turns, and adult word counts in the home environment were collected and analyzed in a group of nine infants and toddlers with FXS and compared to a typically developing (TD) normative sample. Results suggest infants and toddlers with FXS are exhibiting deficits in their early language skills when compared to their chronological expectations. Despite this, when accounting for overall developmental level, their early language skills appear to be on track. Additionally, FXS caregivers utilize less vocalizations around infants and toddlers with FXS; however, additional research is needed to understand the true gap between FXS caregivers and TD caregivers. These findings provide preliminary information about the early language learning environment and support for the feasibility of utilizing an automated vocal analysis system within the FXS population that could ease data collection and further our understanding of the emergence of language development.

FULL ARTICLE

About the FORWARD-MARCH Registry & Database

Since 2012, the CDC has funded FORWARD Fragile X studies to expand understanding of Fragile X syndrome. The NFXF has been coordinating study efforts since the beginning and has been vital in ensuring its success.

FORWARD-MARCH is the next step and will collect more detailed information from participants to better understand FXS and improve the lives of children and adolescents with FXS and the lives of their families.

Learn more about FORWARD-MARCH and how to participate.

About the Author

Amie Milunovich

Amie joined the NFXF in 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science and is a SOCRA certified clinical research professional (CCRP). Amie has over 15 years of experience working in clinical research. She enjoys Bikram yoga, painting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

References

1. Reisinger, D.L.; Shaffer, R.C.; Pedapati, E.V.; Dominick, K.C.; Erickson, C.A. A Pilot Quantitative Evaluation of Early Life Language Development in Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci. 2019, 9, 27.