PRINTER'S NO. 2003
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
417
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY QUINN, BISHOP, BOBACK, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN,
D. COSTA, CUTLER, DAY, DiGIROLAMO, DUSH, FARINA, GOODMAN,
HELM, HENNESSEY, KILLION, KINSEY, KIRKLAND, MAJOR, MILLARD,
MURT, O'NEILL, READSHAW, ROSS, ROZZI, SCHLOSSBERG, SCHWEYER,
SONNEY, THOMAS, WARD, YOUNGBLOOD, McCARTER, MARSICO AND
LONGIETTI, JUNE 30, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JUNE 30, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of July 2015 as "Fragile X Syndrome
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Fragile X syndrome is an inherited genetic condition
that causes intellectual and developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Affecting approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in
8,000 females, fragile X syndrome causes varying degrees of
intellectual disability and a range of behavioral issues and
medical conditions; and
WHEREAS, Mild to severe mutation in the fragile X mental
retardation 1 (FMR1) gene on the X chromosome is the single
genetic cause; and
WHEREAS, This particular mutation alters early brain
development and neurodevelopmental patterns, influencing
behavioral, cognitive and physical development; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form
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of intellectual disability in males and a significant cause of
intellectual disability in females; and
WHEREAS, Related disabilities range from moderate learning
disabilities to more severe intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Affected individuals often experience delayed speech
and language development; and
WHEREAS, Repetitive behaviors, poor impulse control,
depression, shyness and avoidance of social situations are some
of the potential behavioral manifestations; and
WHEREAS, Mitral valve prolapse and seizures are among the
related physical conditions; and
WHEREAS, Interventions include education and special
education services, counseling and assistive technologies, as
well as drug therapies as needed; and
WHEREAS, Diagnostic and carrier screening is available; and
WHEREAS, As many as 1 in 468 males and 1 in 250 females carry
the FMR1 premutation, which has an increased chance of expanding
to a full mutation in subsequent generations; and
WHEREAS, Specialists in pediatrics, molecular genetics,
psychiatry, psychology, neurology, genetic counseling, speech
and language pathology, occupational therapy, neurobiology,
pathology and social work contribute to our understanding of
fragile X syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Research focuses on the fragile gene as expressed in
persons with the syndrome and as carried by persons with the
premutation; and
WHEREAS, Related clinical trials and safety studies are being
conducted throughout our nation; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of July 2015 as "Fragile X Syndrome Awareness Month" in
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Pennsylvania.
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