The Persistence of Self-injurious and Aggressive Behavior in Males with Fragile X Syndrome Over 8 Years: A Longitudinal Study of Prevalence and Predictive Risk Markers.

Only males with fragile X syndrome were studied, so results may not apply to females. The analysed sample was 79 males after attrition and missing-data exclusions from 211 original participants. Behavior and characteristics were parent and carer questionnaire reports, not direct observation or clinical testing. Most fragile X diagnoses were based on parental report, with only 27 confirmed by genetic testing. The study did not know what interventions participants received, so persistence may reflect the natural course or limited access to or effectiveness of support. Participants ranged widely in age, from 6 to 47 at Time 1, so age effects are hard to separate. Most participants were verbal, mobile, and partly able or able in self-help, so findings may not apply to males with fragile X syndrome who are nonverbal, not mobile, or need more support.

The supplied text states the funder was Cerebra. No further conflicts of interest are reported.

Do not read these risk markers as evidence that treating repetitive behavior or impulsivity will reduce self-injury or aggression. The study did not test interventions and did not record what treatments participants received.