City lit for Fragile X

The Busselton City Council chambers were lit up in orange on Wednesday night to raise awareness of Fragile X syndrome.

Fifty landmarks across Australia including Perth’s Bell Tower, the Story Bridge in Brisbane and Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station joined the initiative on national Fragile X day.

The syndrome is a genetic condition which is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability affecting about 90,000 Australians.

Fragile X Association of Australia board member Wayne Pointon said a lack of awareness resulted in late diagnosis which delayed the opportunity for appropriate treatment and care.

“The success of this light-up campaign is a tribute to council’s support of those who have a disability,” he said.

“The kids go to Vasse Primary and the amount of support we receive there is outstanding.

“The more people that are aware the more support and funding is available.”

Fragile X is more common than Down syndrome, however, conditions remain frequently unrecognised and often misdiagnosed.