The Toddler Period: Language Development

Language development is almost always delayed in boys with FXS. Normal language milestones include approximately six words by 16 months, two word phrases by 18 months, and three-word phrases by 24 months (Hagerman 1995). In general, young boys with FXS are not talking by 2 years of age, and this is often the first sign of developmental problems. Because otitis media infections are so common in FXS, the language delay is often blamed on recurrent otitis media and associated conductive hearing loss. If language delays, articulation problems, or unusual characteristics such as cluttering, echolalia, stuttering, or perseveration develop, referral to a speech and language pathologist for a thorough evaluation and individual therapy is appropriate (chap. 10). The therapist can also develop a home program to enhance language stimulation.

The Toddler Period: Developmental Delay

Formal developmental testing allows the physician to monitor progress and focus on areas of delay. Overall development in FXS progresses at approximately half the rate expected for typically developing children (Bailey et al. 1998). Motor problems, sensory integration deficits, and hypotonia are common among children with FXS and can be addressed by the OT (chap. 10).

The Toddler Period: Continued

• Behavioral Difficulties
• Shyness/Social Anxiety
• Pharmacotherapy

This article is not intended to give medical advice for individual cases.  Any change in medical treatment should be done in consultation with appropriate medical personnel. This article is written for medical professionals.  Some of the terms will be unfamiliar to those who are not trained in medical fields. *This article is from the chapter on treatment in the 3rd edition of Fragile X Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research edited by Randi Jenssen Hagerman, M.D. and Paul Hagerman, M.D., Ph.D., to be published May 2002.  It is included with permission from The Johns Hopkins University Press. References to other chapters refer to chapters in the book which are not included as part of this website. The complete 3rd edition of Fragile X Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research can be ordered from the National Fragile X Foundation by calling 1-800-688-8765 or from The Johns Hopkins University Press at 1-800-537-5487.

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