Psychological and emotional studies of the fragile X mutation. A workshop summary

The aims of the workshop on which this summary is based were to convey basic information on the nature of psychological studies in general, and to review the methods and findings from some recent studies of psychological effects associated with the fragile X syndrome. Both the workshop and summary were designed for individuals who are familiar with fragile X syndrome, but unfamiliar with psychological research. The studies reviewed include investigations of both psychological and behavioral features, in both females and males with fragile X syndrome. Individuals from preschool through adulthood are included across the studies. An emphasis on adaptive behaviors is seen in studies of males with mental retardation. The authors comment on the importance of including adaptive behaviors in assessments of individuals affected by fragile X. The reader is referred to original reports for a more detailed description of each summarized study.