At Rush, we are dedicated to helping people with fragile X syndrome and their families, as well as furthering understanding of the syndrome. The fragile X clinic at Rush was started in 1991 to serve the unique needs of the fragile X population. The clinic maintains affiliations with specialists in pediatrics, neurology, genetics, optometry, child psychology, special education/education psychology, speech and language, occupational therapy and dentistry who have experience working with individuals with fragile X syndrome.

Services include:

• Comprehensive medical assessments and management of individuals with fragile X syndrome
• Family counseling
• Diagnosis of fragile X syndrome by DNA testing

Patients must have a diagnosis of fragile X syndrome to make an appointment, which are often made two to three months in advance.

In clinic, Dr. Berry-Kravis can make recommendations regarding medical problems, all neurological issues (for instance, seizures), medications for behavior, prescriptions and referrals to therapy, some aspects of educational management, and genetic testing and counseling.

Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD, a pediatric neurologist with training in biochemistry and molecular biology, directs the Fragile X Clinic at Rush. Berry-Kravis has been involved in research and clinical work with individuals with fragile X syndrome for 14 years, and was recently honored at the National Fragile X Conference with the National Fragile X Foundation Jarrett Cole Clinical Award.