Problem behavior in boys with fragile X syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Child Psychology
• Genetics

Background:

• Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition associated with intellectual disability and behavioral challenges.
• Problem behaviors are common in children with FXS, but their stability and predictors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the trajectory of problem behavior over time in boys with FXS.
• To identify factors associated with higher levels of problem behavior in this population.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 59 boys with FXS, aged 4-12 years.
• Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for behavior assessment.
• Collected data over a 3-year period with an average of 2.5 assessments per child.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of the boys exhibited borderline or clinical levels of total problem behavior.
• Attention and thought problems were prevalent, with over 50% scoring in the borderline/clinical range.
• Behavior problems demonstrated stability across the 3-year study period.
• Higher problem behavior correlated with autistic traits, low adaptability, higher maternal education, and medication use.
• Maternal education predicted higher attention, thought, and total problems.
• Medication use was associated with differences in social problems, but not attention or thought problems.
• Low adaptability and autistic characteristics predicted thought problems.

Conclusions:

• Problem behaviors in boys with FXS are generally stable during middle childhood.
• Autistic characteristics, low adaptability, maternal education, and medication are significant correlates of problem behavior.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of these factors in FXS.