Most males exhibit delayed speech as children and poor command of spoken language. Some are inhibited when they do begin to speak.

Common speech characteristics:

• The rhythm of speech may be uneven or be fixed in a chant-like pattern.
• The automatic use of known phrases is common.
• Speech can be very fast and others may find it difficult to understand.
• Males with fragile X often continually repeat words and phrases (perseveration). This may be because they are anxious, or be an example of repetitive behaviour, which some people with fragile X find hard to control.
• Echoing the words of others (echolalia) is another problem.
• Males can speak constantly and inappropriately about a single topic.
• There are often problems in the use of expressive language, that is, in conveying thoughts to others.

Speech and language problems tend to be less severe in affected girls.

The Positives

On the positive side, vocabulary can be within the normal range. Some children verbally imitate others extremely well; this can become a helpful learning tool. Comprehension by the person with fragile X can be greater than the observer believes. Speech and language pathologists can assist in encouraging people to communicate, and in improving the speech of older children and adults. For non-verbal individuals, augmentative communication systems, such as visual aids and signing, may be introduced. As with all helping techniques, the earlier the therapy begins the better.

More information can be found on the US National Fragile X Foundation site – What Speech and Language Characteristics are Common to Males?