Unraveling Fragile X syndrome

Imagine a ten-year-old boy with ninety pounds of raw, compressed energy. He has a particular attachment to his Playmobil trucks, rarely sharing his prized possessions with even his older brother. His long face, pronounced forehead, and goofy ears make him unique but it is his personality that is more striking. At the age of ten, he should be zooming around on his bike with his neighborhood pals or reading childhood classics like James and the Giant Peach with his fifth grade classmates. However, he lacks the balance to ride a two-wheeler and he can’t read, or speak, very well. He avoids eye contact with his parents and teachers and most of the time, prefers to be alone.