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Symptoms of Fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome affects children physically and cognitively. The physical characteristics of Fragile X syndrome are an elongated face, large ears, flat feet and low muscle tone. There may be a delay in the child’s development and physiotherapy can help the child’s ability to roll, crawl and walk. Children with this condition often have cluttered speech and difficulty using language. This can cause difficulty for your child to make friends and engage in social situations. Memory and intellectual impairments may cause problems learning new subjects at school and it can be difficult to concentrate in class due to hyperactive receptive behaviour that is often seen with Fragile X syndrome.
Above: Core stability and balance exercises assisted by a paediatric physiotherapistDiagnosis of Fragile X syndrome
It is difficult to diagnose Fragile X syndrome in babies due to the lack of physical signs. As the child grows, it is diagnosed via review of family history, symptoms and blood tests.
Treatment of Fragile X syndrome
There is no cure for Fragile X syndrome. Currently, the syndrome is treated using behavioural therapy, education and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy for Fragile X syndrome
Physiotherapy treatment can significantly benefit children with Fragile X syndrome. A specialist physiotherapist will carry out a detailed assessment and a discussion of problems and goals. A treatment plan will be formulated that may include:
- Mobility practice – crawling, walking, jogging
- Transfer practice – rolling, sit to stand, lie to sit
- Balance and co-ordination activities
- Muscle strengthening exercises to address low tone
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Fine hand dexterity exercises
- Training and carer education
The overall aim of physiotherapy is to improve your child’s physical abilities, promote independence with activities of daily living and improve quality of life. The benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Improved mobility
- Increased ability to transfer
- Increased muscle tone
- Improved balance and co-ordination
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased exercise tolerance and stamina
- Increased confidence and motivation
- Improved social skills
Why Physio.co.uk for Fragile X syndrome
At Physio.co.uk we understand the difficulties your child can face caused by Fragile X Syndrome. It can be difficult to move around, to communicate and to integrate into the educational system. Our specialist physiotherapists can provide expert assessment and treatment in order to optimise your child’s abilities and facilitate an active rewarding life.
- Treatment at any stage of condition
- Treatment at home, in gym or clinic
- Dedicated, motivated physiotherapists
- Provision of exercise program specifically written for the individual
- Provision of aids and equipment
- Access to occupational therapy
- Access to speech and language therapy
- Access to specialist gymnasium
