Autism Symptoms Across Adulthood in Men with Fragile X Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

A cross-sectional analysis was used to examine age-related differences in ASD symptoms and corresponding differences in disruptive behavior and social skills in 281 adult men with fragile X syndrome. Four age groups were created: 18–21, 22–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years. The 18–21 year-old group was reported to have more impairments in verbal communication than the 22–29 year-old group and more restricted and repetitive behaviors than the 40–49 year-old group. There was not an age-group difference in the percentage of men who met criteria for an ASD diagnosis based on respondent-reported, current symptoms. There was a trend for an age-related difference in disruptive behavior. Findings add to understanding of the developmental trajectory of ASD symptoms in adulthood.