Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai illuminated in green to spread awareness about Fragile X

FXS is a genetic condition, the only known single gene cause of Autism. Research has shown that two-four per cent of all children with diagnosis of Autism have FXS

July has been dedicated as the World Fragile X Awareness month by the National Fragile X Foundation and July 22, the occasion to commemorate it. This year, the Taj Mahal Tower, in Mumbai on boarded the mission to spread awareness about Fragile X. It was illuminated in green to spread consciousness about Fragile X in support of the Fragile X Society in India. Additionally, the Jaslok Hopsital, Onelife India, Sohfit, Jean Claude Biguine (JCB), Mpower Minds, Ummeed Child Development, Physio Rehab, New Horizon Child Development Centre, New Horizon Child Development Centre, Aquant, etc. joined the awareness campaign.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition. In fact, it is the only known single gene cause of Autism. Research has shown that 2-4 per cent of all children with a diagnosis of Autism have FXS as the underlying cause of their condition. But while awareness for Autism has gained momentum over the years the detection of FXS is more than often overlooked.

Shalini Kedia, Chairperson, Fragile X Society, India said, “We believe that awareness about FXS can empower the family with reproductive options. With effective genetic counselling, the families can prevent the occurrence in their future generations. Motherhood is a journey and a milestone for most women. We are striving to generate FXS awareness because we believe that being a special mother should be an informed decision for a woman and not an imposed one.”

Kedia further added, “We have made good progress in the direction to spread awareness. Over the past 15 years, we have supported and counselled over 850 FXS affected families from all over India. This year, in March the IAP(Indian Academy of Paediatrics) launched the guidelines for FXS which has been a turning point for affected families. In addition, we have conducted multiple FXS seminars and conferences across many Indian cities. ”