ABSTRACT

Parents and relatives of young children, toddlers and infants with fragile X syndrome raise concerns with regards to their child’s development very early in infancy (on average, before the first birthday), but a full diagnosis often comes in the second year of life or later. However, the average age at diagnosis is decreasing rapidly, thanks to advances in our understanding of the genetic bases of fragile X. With early diagnosis, the need to tailor early intervention accordingly has become an increasingly pressing issue for parents and professionals alike (Hatton et al., 2000). In this chapter, we introduce the importance of investigating early development in both typically and atypically developing children. We then review recent research findings on early development in infants and toddlers with fragile X and their practical implications. The purpose of the review is twofold: first, we hope that the chapter will inform the multidisciplinary efforts of all those involved in improving future prospects for young children with fragile X and their families. Furthermore, we hope that the information will be of interest to professionals working with older children and adults with the syndrome, as a way of understanding the early origins of atypical behaviours and difficulties associated with fragile X.