Fragile X syndrome is a hereditary condition which can cause learning problems in both males and females, but as an X chromosome related syndrome it is statistically more common in males. It is the most common cause of genetically-inherited mental impairment. The spectrum of intellectual involvement ranges from subtle learning disabilities and a normal IQ, to severe mental retardation and autism. In addition to mental impairment, Fragile X syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms, which include physical and behavioral characteristics and speech and language delay. My two brothers, 23 and 19 years of age, as well as a cousin of mine have Fragile X. While they both exhibit many common symptoms they are very high functioning and are both very different from each other. When I first saw the movie Rainman I was about 13 years old. I thought it was amazing that Dustin Hoffman seemed exactly like the older of my two brothers (aside from the relatively dramatized toothpick thing). He is shy, thoughtful, and loves sports, while my youngest brother is outgoing in the extreme (he was a Prom King candidate in his class of 500 students), hystercal, but hyperactive. The two of them have made a HUGE impact on my life as brothers, and as individuals. When people ask me if it was strange growing up with them, I tend to reply, "It was always normal to me." I don't remember a time when they weren't here and I know that they give as much to the world around them as anyone else, most likely more. For more information on this subject check out these links below. The more people learn about differences the better the world will be ;-)