Known as a genetic disorder, Fragile-X Sydrome is caused by a mutation to the X chromosome. Both males and females can be carriers. According to the latest statistics, Fragile-X occurs in 1 out of 4,000 males and 1 out of every 6,000 females.
What is Fragile-X Syndrome?
Physical characteristics of this syndrome may include large, protruding ears, long face, very flexible joints in fingers and wrists, flat feet and low muscle tone. Cognitive issues often seen in students with Fragile-X are learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and attention deficit disorders (with and without hyperactivity). Seizures occur in approximately 20% of individuals with Fragile-X.
Often, these students are shy, have poor communication skills, and exhibit poor eye-contact. Hand- flapping and biting, as well as sensory overload (extreme sensitivity to loud noises, crowds, textures of foods) are commonly seen.
Toilet training is usually not accomplished until the mid-elementary years. With all of that being said, teachers need to know that children with Fragile-X can be very loving, sensitive individuals who are capable of rising to educational challenges and of learning in their own unique ways.
How do I Teach Students with Fragile-X Syndrome?
Educational programs for students with Fragile-X often mirror autism programs. Many of the same methods and techniques are employed. According to the National Fragile-X Foundation, one difference in teaching students with Fragile-X is that they will experience plateaus throughout their education where progress seems to stagnate. Most typical children experience this also, but students with Fragile-X seem to need a longer "rest" period before bursts of learning start to take place again.
A team approach is very important for the student with Fragile-X. Speech language pathologists and occupational therapists are necessary members in the educational process.
The National Fragile-X Foundation offers many free resources for teachers. Among them is this summary checklist of educational strategies:
- To the degree possible, provide a calm, quiet classroom environment, with breaks in a “safe” refuge away from distractions.
- Seat student as near to front and side as possible to reduce distractive stimuli.
- Use small-group or one-to-one instruction when teaching novel tasks.
- Explore use of calming strategies in concert with an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration.
- Give ample time for processing and alternative methods of responding.
- Simplify visually presented materials to eliminate a cluttered or excessively stimulating format.
- Use technological adaptations, such as the computer, for writing assignments.
- Provide a visual schedule to prompt transitions.
- Use manipulatives, visual material, videos, and models.
- Provide social skills lessons and have typical peers model appropriate behaviors.
- Provide completion or closure for activities and lessons.
- Capitalize on strengths in modeling, memory, simultaneous learning and associative learning.
- Use indirect questioning rather than direct, e.g., fill in the blank/cloze technique.
- Utilize “cloze” techniques (fill-in blanks) to help facilitate executive function skills.
- Use backward chaining – ask the student to finish up a task after you begin it.
- Provide visual cues – such as color coding, numbering, and arrows—to help organize tasks.
- Use reinforcement such as “high fives” rather than hugs or pats on the back (close physical contact tends to over-stimulate children with FXS)
The lesson planning guide provided by the National Fragile-X Foundation is a must-have for all teachers of students with Fragile-X and can be downloaded at no cost from their site (there is no copyright). The guide is full of information, lesson plans, and resources.
Calming Techniques for Children with Fragile-X
When students with Fragile-X become overstimulated, it is important to employ calming techniques. Deep pressure (sensory diet prescribed by an occupational therapist), music, brushing techniques, and a quiet, dimly lit room are all ways to calm the student. These students love familiarity, so finding something they enjoy frequently can help a great deal. Giving the student a favorite toy or activity is another method, as long as the overstimulation did not result initially from a desire for that object. Other techniques can be found in the article How to Bring a Student with Autism Out of a Meltdown.
Teaching a child with Fragile-X Syndrome can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. There are many techniques that must be employed to insure the child's success, and a teacher armed with knowledge, patience and kindness can make a huge difference in the education of a child with Fragile-X.
Source:
The National Fragile-X Foundation Education Project. Lesson Planning Guide for Students with Fragile-X Syndrome: A Practical Approach for the Classroom. (2006).
Tina Halbert - Tina M. Halbert, M.Ed., NBCT
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