Summary
Sensory symptoms, including increased reactivity to stimulation (hyperarousal), are common in children and adults with Fragile X syndrome. Despite their common occurrence, there is limited literature on the subject. For this reason, researchers decided to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of characteristics of sensory symptoms in children with FXS and their impact on families. They analyzed data from 933 children (720 boys, 213 girls) enrolled in the FORWARD project including standardized questionnaires for caregivers and clinicians on an ad hoc basis.
Findings showed that males are more affected than females by sensory symptoms (87% vs. 68%) and hyperarousal (92% vs. 79%). The most common sensory symptom is difficulties with eye gaze, which increases with age in both boys and girls. A strong sensory response was associated with more severe behavioral problems. As children with FXS age, their sensory symptoms are more often treated with medications and less with occupational or physical therapies. Sensory symptoms and hyperarousal are impactful since their severity predicts more severe disruptive behavior and less participation in everyday activities.
It was concluded that sensory symptoms are common and impactful problems in FXS, which deserve more research to improve their outcome.
Lachiewicz, A. M., Stackhouse, T. M., Burgess, K., Burgess, D., Andrews, H. F., Choo, T. H., Kaufmann, W. E., & Kidd, S. A. (2023). Sensory Symptoms and Signs of Hyperarousal in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Findings from the FORWARD Registry and Database Multisite Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y
