Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is one of the most common side effects of Fragile X Syndrome. The lack of FMRP during brain development means our babies don't get to meet their intellectual potential. This thought messes with my head and breaks my heart. I watch Connor flap, and spin, and shout, fail to use words, and struggle to socialise and I'm fearful of how retarded he is going to be and what that means for his future and, frankly, mine. Then every now and then he shows me there is more to him than it appears from the outside. Last night I needed to put his baby sister to bed and he was playing in the hall by her door. I asked him to take his toys and go and play with daddy in the lounge room. I didn't expect him to understand but I always explain what I want to him. I like to speak to him like I would an adult it seems like the right thing to do. I was also hoping daddy would hear and come and grab him. Instead, after a moment to process my words, he picked up his truck and headed to the lounge room. I was very proud of him and it made me think I should make sure I'm careful what I say. He may not speak but his comprehension is obviously getting better by the day.