Abstract
The fragile X syndrome in males presents with a number of autistic features, including poor eye contact, hand-flapping, hand-biting, attentional deficits, tactile defensiveness, perseverative speech, and difficulties with social interactions, although a pervasive lack of relatedness is usually not present. There exists, therefore, a significant degree of overlap between autism and fragile X syndrome. Approximately 7% of autistic males havethe fragile X syndrome, and preliminary work suggests a similar prevalence in autistic females. We hypothesize frontal lobe dysfunction in fragile X syndrome interfering with sensory associations, integration, and inhibition which leads to autistic features. Preliminary neuropsychological studies in fragile X females document frontal lobe deficits.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 218-227 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Brain Dysfunction |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
State | Published - 1990 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience(all)