Autistic spectrum disorder and the fragile X premutation

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004 Dec;25(6):392-8. doi: 10.1097/00004703-200412000-00002.

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation. It is also one of the most common identifiable causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Carriers of FXS are often considered to be cognitively and behaviorally unaffected. However, we report here on six individuals in the premutation range who also have ASD. A comparison is made with five subjects in the premutation range who did not receive a diagnosis of ASD. The six individuals with ASD had a range of cognitive ability levels from no impairment to moderate retardation. Discussion includes the impact of molecular variables including lowered FMR1 protein and elevated FMR1 mRNA in addition to environmental factors leading to the complex neurodevelopmental disorder of ASD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / etiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Female
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein
  • Fragile X Syndrome / blood
  • Fragile X Syndrome / complications*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / etiology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / blood
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Point Mutation / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / blood
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein