Abstract
One of the most common causes of intellectual disabilities, fragile X syndrome (FXS), is an inherited genetic disorder where the bottom of the X chromosome is pinched off. Although the disorder is diagnosed in both male and female individuals, FXS occurs more frequently in boys, who also experience more severe symptoms. This is because female individuals have two X chromosomes, providing girls with an additional layer of protection should damage occur to one of their X chromosomes. Boys, however, only have one X chromosome, which if impaired, increases the likelihood of FXS and further explains their symptom severity.
FXS is