Faydra and Toby at a party July 3rd of this year.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Tackling potty training, getting through a meal without two thirds of the food splattering to the floor, keeping shoes on for more than five minutes – these are typical challenges for moms of toddlers. In our household we face the usual toddler trials, (Well, not potty training. Not going there yet!) mixed into a routine that involves speech therapy, occupational therapy and play therapy.
Our youngest son, Toby, participates in these therapies because he has Fragile X Syndrome, the leading cause of inherited mental impairment. Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder with a range of symptoms including speech delays, social anxieties, sensory processing issues, and possible physical characteristics. I, Toby’s mother, am the carrier of the disorder. I do not share Toby’s symptoms because, as a carrier, I do not have the full gene mutation. Even so, many carriers report issues with anxiety and depression and face the possibility of Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI), a problem with ovarian function which can lead to infertility and early menopause.
Because of other family members with Fragile X, I decided to have genetic testing and genetic counseling before having children. When my husband and I learned that I was indeed a carrier and that I had a 50% chance of having a child with the full-mutation of Fragile X, we chose foreign adoption and then foster-adoption for our two oldest sons, but then… Surprise! Along came Toby.
Read in Full:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jul/20/two-is-tricky—especially-for-st-lucie-toddler-wi/
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