Fragile X Syndrome has been receiving more media coverage in Australia recently. This is excellent as increasing awareness and knowledge about the syndrome will lead to more people being correctly diagnosed and to an increase in resources available for research, treatment and education

May’s edition of Cleo, which is out now, features an interview with Megan Levy, a 23 year old Australian woman who has the full mutation of Fragile X. Titled “I have FRAGILE X SYNDROME!” Megan talks about her symptoms and how Fragile X affects her life in regard to employment, relationships and socializing. Well done Megan, thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

That’s Life Magazine published an article in Issue 10 March 2009 featuring Mel Mikkleson and family. A summary can be found on the That’s Life site: My Son’s X Factor. Mel was contacted by That’s Life after she featured in a story about Fragile X in her local newspaper. Mel who is on our committee and runs the Queensland support group always works hard to promote knowledge of Fragile X.

In The Australian newspaper an article published in February, Screening for fragile X sidelined, features discussion by Don Bailey, president of the US National Fragile X Foundation, clinical geneticist Mike Field and associate professor Sylvia Metcalfe, from the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute on the issue of screening newborns. John Kelleher, president of our Association, and his wife, Christine, talk of their own experiences and problems of receiving late diagnoses for their two children with Fragile X syndrome.