First ever conference on Fragile X in Kolkata & Eastern India

Aims to build awareness on Fragile X Syndrome, on commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day

Kolkata, April 02, 2016: Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata in association with Ummeed Child Development Centre, Mumbai & The Fragile X Society, India jointly held the first ever conference on Fragile X awareness in Kolkata. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common known single gene cause of autism or “autistic-like” behaviour. FXS is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges and various physical characteristics. Though FXS occurs in both genders, males are more frequently affected than females, and generally with greater severity. It affects approximately 1 in 2,500 males and 1 in 5,000 females, with 1 in 250 women and 1 in 800 men being carriers of the syndrome.

Present for the occasion were Dr. Jai Ranjan Ram, Founder Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata, Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, founder and Executive Director of Ummeed Child Development Center (Mumbai), Dr. Roopa Srinivasan, Head of Clinical Services, Ummeed Child Development Center and Ms Shalini Kedia, Chairperson Fragile X Society, India

Autism affects millions of people worldwide, about 700,000 people in UK alone are affected by Autism. Children with a development delay, mild learning difficulties, mental retardation and/or autism could be affected by fragile X syndrome (FXS). Individuals above the age of 50 who exhibit a progressive, Parkinson’s-like, neurological condition could be affected by Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a condition seen in adult carriers of the Fragile X mutation. Women experiencing fertility problems or early menopause due to abnormal ovarian function may be affected by fragile X-associated premature ovarian failure (POF). Therefore it is crucial to encourage and facilitate education and awareness about autism especially on Fragile X Syndrome.

Sharing his thoughts Dr Jai Ranjan Ram, Founder Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata said, “The Purpose of the Conference is to bring awareness of the Fragile X Syndrome to all medical professionals, special educators, therapists, counsellors, families and government representatives in Kolkata and Eastern India and to inform why, when, how to diagnose the same and the way forward through a comprehensive agenda which covers in details all aspects related to the syndrome”. Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, founder and Executive Director of Ummeed Child Development Center, stressed on the need for proper diagnosis and the importance of early intervention so as to enable the affected children and adults to cope with daily challenges. She explained the link between genes, Fragile X, autism and learning disabilities and different manifestations of the syndrome. Dr. Roopa Srinivasan, Head of Clinical Services, Ummeed Child Development Center reiterated the importance of sensory integration, through Occupational therapy, yoga, meditation and behavioural intervention. Ms Shalini Kedia, Chairperson Fragile X Society, India, elaborated on parent support in India and abroad and how the Society is trying to bring awareness across the country.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)