Mumbai’s BMC Building and Delhi’s India Gate “Go Green” to Raise Awareness of Autism and the Fragile X Gene

More than 75 famous sites across the nation were illuminated in green on Saturday night, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) building in Mumbai, the sea link toll plaza, and the Taj Mahal tower; the India Gate, The Ambassador, and Connaught in Delhi; and other sites in Gujarat, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.

Why? in support of a campaign to raise awareness of World Fragile X Awareness Day (July 22).

One in 5,000 Indian children, or around four lakh kids nationwide, is confirmed to have the Fragile X gene, according to data made public by organizations dedicated to raising awareness. Families of affected children, however, claim that nothing is known about the ailment in India.

Pregnant women are required to take a test to see whether they contain the gene in industrialized nations like the United States in order to make sure it is not passed on to the unborn child.

“The gene has been discovered 30 years ago. For 20 years, we have been focusing on raising awareness. When should women have access to medical knowledge that would allow them to make choices about their own lives?, said Shalini Kedia, chair of the Fragile X Society of India.

FRAGILE X SYNDROME: WHAT IS IT?

The only single-gene known to cause autism is the genetic disorder known as fragile X syndrome (FXS). Research has shown that FXS is the underlying cause of 2-4% of children with autism.

Fragile X syndrome is often disregarded and incorrectly diagnosed, according to Kedia, despite the fact that autism has been receiving more and more attention over the years.

HOW COULD IT BE DETERMINED?

A DNA blood test and diagnosis may be used to identify FXS.

To enhance a child’s life, some physicians often recommend therapeutic involvement in addition to medical therapy.

It is an inherited genetic disorder that runs in families and is not discovered until a family member is affected.

According to medical professionals, families may utilize existing medical reproductive alternatives to prevent the next kid from inheriting the disorder if the first child is identified with FXS in time for treatment.