In recognition of Fragile X Awareness Month, the Sarnoff Center hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Molly Losh of Northwestern University and Scott Weissman, MS, CGC, the Sarnoff Center’s genetic counselor. The program explored Fragile X syndrome, the Fragile X premutation, and the role of genetic testing in awareness and family planning.
Dr. Losh shared research on the connection between Fragile X syndrome and autism, highlighting that Fragile X is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability and the most common single-gene cause of autism. She discussed how changes in the FMR1 gene affect brain development and reviewed findings showing that premutation carriers may exhibit subtle language and social communication traits.
Scott Weissman concluded the program by discussing the importance of carrier screening before or during family planning. He highlighted the Sarnoff Center’s carrier screening program, which screens for 268 genetic conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, and provides participants with personalized genetic counseling to better understand their results and reproductive options.
