Early Intervention Services for Young Boys With Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract

This study of boys with fragile X syndrome describes: service delivery; parents' satisfaction with services; early interventionists' perceptions of services needed; and the relationship between service intensity, developmental status, and demographic characteristics. Participants were 50 boys with fragile X syndrome, their parents, and teachers. Early intervention started on average at 21.6 months. There was a steady increase in the amount of early intervention across age periods. The intensity of speech-language and occupational therapies, however, remained constant. By the age of 60 months, the number of children receiving physical therapy and the intensity of physical therapy both decreased. Although parents reported satisfaction with services, most said they would have preferred more services. Early interventionists and teachers seemed more concerned about behavior than cognitive delays. No statistically significant patterns emerged regarding the relationship between developmental status, service intensity, and demographic characteristics.