H. Res. 611 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

July 21, 2010. 

Whereas fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs); 

Whereas an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 

FMR1 gene—a human gene that codes for a protein 

called fragile X mental retardation protein—causes almost all cases of fragile X syndrome; 

Whereas fragile X mental retardation protein is normally 

made in many tissues, especially in the brain and the testes; 

Whereas fragile X mental retardation protein may play a role 

in the development of synaptic connections between nerve 

cells in the brain where cell-to-cell communication occurs; 

Whereas there is a relationship between fragile X syndrome 

and autism; 

Whereas up to one-third of all children diagnosed with fragile 

X syndrome also have autism or an autism spectrum disorder; 

Whereas over 100,000 people in the United States have fragile X syndrome and an estimated 1,000,000 people in the 

United States carry a fragile X mutation and have or are 

at risk of developing a fragile X-associated disorder; 
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Whereas fragile X-associated disorders include fragile X syndrome, which causes language, behavioral, and developmental disabilities; fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia 

syndrome—an adult onset progressive neurological condition causing tremors and balance and memory problems 

primarily in male carriers that can lead to decreased life 

expectancy; and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency—a cause of infertility, early menopause, and 

other ovarian problems in female carriers; 

Whereas doctors can accurately identify and diagnose fragile 

X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency; 

Whereas the National Institutes of Health is currently funding several studies that may lay the groundwork for 

screening of all newborns in the United States for early 

detection of the fragile X mutation; 

Whereas increased research into fragile X syndrome may lead 

to a better understanding of the disorder, more effective 

treatments, and an eventual cure; and 

Whereas advocacy organizations have designated July 22 as 

‘‘Fragile X Awareness Day’’: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘Fragile X 

Awareness Day’’; 

(2) supports raising awareness and educating the 

public about fragile X syndrome and associated disorders; 
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(3) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, and 

provide education, support, and hope to those impacted 

by fragile X syndrome; 

(4) recognizes the commitment of parents, families, 

researchers, health professionals, and others dedicated to 

finding an effective treatment and cure for fragile X syndrome; 

(5) urges all physicians, health care providers, and 

specialists to— 

(A) learn the clinical signs and symptoms of 

fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated disorders, 

fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency, 

and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome; 

(B) use diagnostic, developmental screening, 

and surveillance modalities to detect fragile X-associated disorders; 

(C) test, when appropriate, individuals exhibiting signs of developmental delay or an autism 

spectrum disorder to determine the status of their 

FMR1 gene; 

(D) gain a full understanding of the genetic 

implications of all fragile X-associated disorders, 

and when appropriate, make a referral to a geneticist or genetic counselor to assure that affected in-
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dividuals and their families are aware of how a 

fragile X-associated disorder may impact their extended family; and 

(E) provide patients diagnosed with fragile Xassociated disorders with supplemental information 

maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, the National Institute of Child Health 

and Human Development, and private foundations 

such as the National Fragile X Foundation and the 

FRAXA Research Foundation; 

(6) recommends that the National Institutes of 

Health and related member institutes implement the research plan on fragile X syndrome and associated disorders developed by the Trans-NIH Fragile X Research 

Coordinating Group and Scientific Working Groups; and 

(7) supports funding for research into the causes, 

treatment, and cure for fragile X syndrome. 

Attest: 

Clerk.