Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic mental impairment caused by an inherited problem with the FMR 1 gene, which makes protein necessary for proper brain development. Fragile X Syndrome is among the most common mental impairments, and is the most common which can be inherited genetically.
Impairments of those with Fragile X Syndrome range from mild learning disabilities to mental retardation. Fragile X syndrome can also cause autism and autistic spectrum disorders.
Milder symptoms associated with Fragile X Syndrome include speech impediments, delays in common learning milestones as a child, sensitivity to touch, texture, sound, and light, and slight deformation of physical features. Anxiety problems and mood disorders are also common for those with Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder, even when mild, can also affect social skills and adjustment. When more severe, it can lead to emotional issues such as aggression and acting out behavior.
Children and adults with Fragile X Syndrome may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits such as Social Security Income. If you or your child has Fragile X Syndrome, and this condition has been diagnosed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer to help you make your claim, as you could be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
Most initial Social Security Disability claims are denied. Because there is not a specific listing for Fragile X Syndrome in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, it is up to you and your Social Security Disability lawyer to prove that your Fragile X Syndrome qualifies you as completely disabled.
Fragile X Syndrome and Your Ability to Perform Physical Work
The symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome and their severity vary widely amongst those who have the condition. Some with Fragile X Syndrome will face little or no difficulty with many kinds of physical work. In most cases, the mental impairments associated with Fragile X Syndrome won’t have much effect on your ability to perform physical tasks.
For those with more severe symptoms, the other demands of physical work, especially if it involves working around other people in a typical work environment, cannot reasonably be met. It is important when making a Social Security Disability claim that all restrictions are documented, as the Social Security Administration will consider the effect of your symptoms on your ability to perform work more than the actual medical diagnoses.
Fragile X Syndrome and Your Ability to Perform Sedentary Work
Those with moderate to severe symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome will generally not be expected to be capable of performing sedentary labor. Most sedentary jobs require a great deal of attention to detail, whether dealing with paperwork or with the public. Often, these jobs also require a high degree of manual dexterity, which is often a problem for people with Fragile X Syndrome.
In fact, it’s generally much easier to prove that people with mental impairments such as Fragile X Syndrome are incapable of performing sedentary work than it is to prove that they are incapable of performing physical work. Even so, it is important that you include daily activities which you cannot do for yourself in your Social Security Disability application, as the SSA may consider you capable of performing certain types of work professionally if you are able to perform the tasks for yourself at home.
A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you, your doctor, and your mental health professionals to put your claim together in the most effective manner possible, giving you your best chance of having your Social Security Disability claim accepted quickly.
