The relationship between family stresses and having a child with developmental disabilities has been highlighted in the wake of the Benoit family murder-suicide. The Fragile X Research and Treatment Center at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute  is a national resource for families seeking diagnosis and treatment for their children and research on fragile X and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Two of the center's leading researchers - both international experts on fragile X syndrome and related conditions - are available for media interviews to clarify what fragile X syndrome is, how it affects children and how raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder ca

Randi Hagerman  is a development-behavioral pediatrician whose practice focuses on families dealing with fragile X syndrome. Her research addresses new treatments for fragile X and how molecular changes relate to clinical features, including how the fragile X premutation in carrier mothers and carrier grandparents can cause emotional difficulties and neurological problems. She is recognized worldwide for her groundbreaking research outcomes and supportive clinical care for children and families dealing with fragile X.

David Hessl  is a clinical psychologist whose research focuses on genetic, brain, environmental and neuroendocrine factors affecting cognition and behavior in people with fragile X syndrome and in fragile X premutation carriers.

Fragile X is a genetic mutation on the X chromosome that can cause a variety of developmental, physical and behavioral impairments. It is the most common cause of inherited mental impairment and the leading known single gene cause of autism. In addition to fragile X syndrome, mutation of the gene also causes premature ovarian failure in women and an aging disorder in older men and women called FXTAS (fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome) that causes balance problems, tremors and dementia. It is estimated that 1 in 129 females in the general population carry the fragile X premutation and that 1 in 3,600 individuals have the full mutation resulting in fragile X syndrome. For more information, visit www.mindinstitute.org or the National Fragile X Foundation Web site at www.fragilex.org.