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School psychology and medical diagnosis: The fragile X syndrome
Author(s) -
Simensen Richard J.,
Rogers R. Curtis
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6807(198910)26:4<380::aid-pits2310260409>3.0.co;2-7
Subject(s) - fragile x syndrome , referral , psychology , school psychology , psychiatry , chromosomal fragile site , special education , medical school , clinical psychology , learning disability , developmental psychology , medicine , family medicine , medical education , pedagogy , biochemistry , chemistry , chromosome , gene
A fragile site on the X chromosome has been implicated in developmental disabilities among both males and females who possess learning disabilities, mental retardation, attention deficit disorders, and behavior problems. For the most part, medical diagnosis has been of little value to the school psychologist or educator. The diagnosis of fragile X syndrome does possess specific educational implications, especially during the early school years. Data on the characteristics and treatment of patients that can assist the school psychologist in program planning and appropriate referral are presented. The school psychologist is in a most advantageous position to recognize children who are in need of medical consultation and chromosomal analysis. Treatment includes appropriate educational programming, trials of folic acid among prepubescent males, and medical treatment for those manifesting an attention deficit disorder. Family counseling is available for “at‐risk” families and should include prenatal diagnosis.