The FMR1 Premutation Phenotype and Mother-Youth Synchrony in Fragile X Syndrome

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2021 Nov 1;126(6):443-459. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-126.6.443.

Abstract

A subset of mothers who carry the FMR1 premutation may express a unique phenotype. The relationship between the FMR1 phenotype and mother-child interaction in families with fragile X-associated disorders has not been well characterized, despite the importance of high-quality mother-child interaction for child development. This study examined the association between the FMR1 phenotype and the quality of interactions between mothers and their adolescent/young adult sons with fragile X syndrome. Mother-youth synchrony was coded from a dyadic interaction. Maternal anxiety and depression symptoms, executive function deficits, and pragmatic language difficulties were evaluated. Results indicated that pragmatic language was associated with mother-youth synchrony. These findings highlight the importance of family-centered intervention practices for families with fragile X-associated disorders.

Keywords: FXS; fragile X carrier; mother-child interaction; pragmatic language.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Fragile X Syndrome* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mothers*
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein