We would like to share over 25 years of our experience with boys and girls with X and Y Chromosomal Variations. You must be scared and concerned –what will happen in the future? What does an extra X or Y actually do? What will my baby look like—me or my husband or totally different? You have a million questions and seemingly no answers. But we can help–below are some of the common questions we have been asked by many, many families over the years.
Prenatal Diagnosis
Your Concerns
Will my son or daughter need to attend special school?
No, typically boys and girls with an extra X and Y can do very well. Many of these children will enter first grade with few discernible problems. Their parents WILL NOT even reveal that there is additive X or Y because there are so few issues.
Will my child look different from my other child or my friends' children?
No, these boys and girls look quite typical when there is only one additional X. They are often very attractive and several of our babies have modeled!
Will my child need many therapeutic services?
The babies with X and Y chromosomal disorders do need some special services but typically for short periods of time. With this extra support and guidance, the boys and girls do very well in school and life. They often need additional help here and there throughout their life until they are young adults. It can be very little such as extra time for testing or tutoring for reading dysfunction. Some children need an IEP but this is less common in the prenatally diagnosed child. The amount of services needed varies based upon diagnosis, timing of diagnosis, treatment status and family history.
What kind of services will he or she need as a baby?
Typically, many babies receive physical therapy between 8 and 18 months. The babies may receive speech and language therapy between 18 months and 36 months of age.
Can he attend his local elementary school?
Yes, many children do very well in their local elementary schools. Boys and girls with X and Y chromosomal disorders learn better in smaller classes so many families elect to enroll in private schools for their children with an additional X or Y.
What is Early Hormonal Treatment(EHT)
Early Hormonal Treatment (EHT) is short term Testosterone biological treatment for boys with XXY. Boys with 47,XXY ( Klinefelter syndrome ) are deficient in Testosterone, a very important hormone for boys. The hormonal deficiency effects brain development, speech and language skills, bone health and neurocognitive development. We have published several articles on the benefits of EHT both short term and long term. Please visit our research page to review the articles. Contact us if you would like these articles to share with your physicians.
Who should I talk to about EHT for my child
You should talk to your child’s pediatrician and then a pediatric endocrinologist. Please consider taking our articles to your doctors so they can receive the most current information regarding your son.
Does my child with 47,XYY or 47, XXX need EHT?
Typically boys with XYY and 47, XXX do not receive EHT at this time.
Does my child with X and Y chromosomal Variations require so much time and help that my other children will suffer?
It is uncommon that children with these disorders require a tremendous amount of therapeutic support and care. Typically, if problems are addressed when they first appear then there will be no major issues. But small disturbances become significant dysfunction if not addressed quickly and appropriately.
Our Hope
We also believe that EHT is very important for all boys with 47,XXY and without EHT, they struggle more in development and health.
Our hope is that every one of our children with X and Y Chromosomal Variations will develop skillfully with proactive care rather than reactive care. When small problems are identified early and quickly, each child can reach their optimal potential.
We have the road map to success for these boys and girls with X and Y Chromosomal Variations. With the proper help, targeted treatment and syndrome specific goals, these children are highly successful. They are bright, talented and delightful children who will contribute to their family, their community and their world in a meaningful manner. Be confident about your child’s outcome.
Testimonials
Together, anything is possible
What You Can Do Now
If you have had a prenatal diagnosis or feel you may have a child with developmental delays or developmental dysfunction the following options are designed to help you towards the next step in treatment or early diagnosis.