Characteristics of Cognitive Development Cognitive development
is defined as thinking, problem solving, concept understanding,
information processing and overall intelligence. Many persons
with fragile X syndrome have some cognitive weaknesses. Their
overall potential may be lower than that of their peers and
siblings. They still have patterns of strengths and weaknesses
in their development and may do very well with certain types of
learning. Up to 80% of males with fragile X syndrome are
described as cognitively delayed. In the older studies of males
with fragile X, almost all of the boys and men were described as
having moderate or severe mental retardation. However, many of
these studies were based upon institutionalized males. With
increased awareness of fragile X, more persons who have the
syndrome are being properly diagnosed, and 10-15% of the boys
tested may have IQs in the borderline or mild mental retardation
range. Many boys, and some girls, are described as mentally
retarded. Mental retardation i