Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which group is more likely to exhibit significant intellectual disabilities due to Fragile X syndrome?

1. Males

2. Females

3. Both genders equally

4. Children

The correct answer is: Males

Individuals with Fragile X syndrome are primarily affected due to a mutation in the FMR1 gene, which plays a crucial role in brain development. The nature of this condition leads to a higher prevalence of significant intellectual disabilities in males primarily because they have only one X chromosome. If that X chromosome carries the mutation, they will exhibit the associated cognitive deficits. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes and may carry the same mutation, but because of the presence of a second, potentially normal X chromosome, they often show milder symptoms. This difference in genetic makeup leads to the observation that males with Fragile X syndrome tend to experience more severe intellectual disabilities compared to females. Although children in general may present with findings attributed to Fragile X syndrome, the question specifically references the likelihood of significant intellectual disabilities associated with this genetic disorder, which is considerably higher in males due to the aforementioned reasons. Therefore, the group most likely to exhibit this condition as a result of Fragile X syndrome is males.