Educating Children with Fragile X Syndrome

What is Fragile X? The most common inherited cause of learning difficulties, affecting a child's ability to tackle key areas such as literacy and numeracy, and causing behaviour problems and social anxiety. What can teachers do to help children with Fragile X become more effective learners? This definitive text will provide essential support and information for teachers with the expertise of an international field of researchers, whose variety of perspectives contribute to a unique, multi-professional approach. Each chapter of the book suggests practical intervention strategies, based on sound educational principles expressed in clear non-specific terms. A range of important topics are considered, including: * the physical and behavioural characteristics of Fragile X * the effects of Fragile X on learning * medication and therapy * related conditions such as autism and attention deficit disorders. Breaking down the barriers of professional practice, this book establishes the groundwork for successful and valuable multi-professional teamwork. By providing immediate access to a body of empirical knowledge and advice from other disciplines, it will encourage teachers to incorporate this approach into their own practice. Everyone responsible for the education of a child with Fragile X syndrome should read this book.

Denise Dew-Hughes has vast teaching and learning experience. She is Specialist Advisor in Education in the Fragile X Society, UK.

Introduction: Fragile X syndrome and education Denise Dew-Hughes Part 1: The child with Fragile X syndrome 1. Physical and behavioural characteristics of Fragile X syndrome Randi Hagerman 2. The importance of diagnosis Jeremy Turk 3. Cognitive strengths and difficulties Kim Cornish 4. Atypical language production of males with Fragile X syndrome Vicki Sudhalter and Richard Belser 5. Educating girls with Fragile X Lesley Powell Part 2: Education issues 6. The effects of Fragile X on learning Marcia Braden 7. School placement and provision Denise Dew-Hughes 8. Formal assessment and constructing an individual education profile Marcia Braden 9. Key issues in assessment Charles Gibb 10. Obtaining educational support for a child with special needs: A structured approach for parents and teachers Kate Schnelling and Denise Dew-Hughes Part 3: Education strategies 11. Classroom adaptations: Good practice and work habits Marcia Braden 12. Home and school: Developing a genuine partnership Claire Wolstencroft 13. Classroom strategies for Fragile X and autism Julie Taylor 14. Speech and language therapy Cathy Taylor 15. Occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy for individuals with Fragile X syndrome Dido Green Part 4: Development, Behaviour and Psychology 16. Development in the early years Kim Cornish and Gaia Scerif 17. Behaviours and management Jeremy Turk 18. Related conditions: Autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD) Kim Cornish and Julie Taylor 19. Medication matters Jeremy Turk Part 5: Family and social matters 20. The genetics of Fragile X syndrome Angela Barnicoat and Barbara Carmichael 21. Adults with Fragile X syndrome Greg O'Brien 22. Behaviour and cognitive profiles in adults Kim Cornish 23. Women with Fragile X Lesley Powell 24. Support for individuals with Fragile X syndrome Jeremy Turk Conclusion Denise Dew-Hughes