Autism and Fragile X have some things common. Intellectual and social problems are generally seen in the victims of both these illnesses. Fragile X is a rare genetic syndrome, but recently a drug, called Arbaclofen, was experimented on its patients. As a result, the patients were found trying to interact with other people around. With this progress, there seems a hope for the autism patients too.

According to a study in Science Translational Medicine, if this drug can help patients of Fragile X, then there are chances that it does similar affects on people with autism also.

All thanks to the Massachusetts couple Katie Clapp and Michael Tranfaglia whose son was born with the syndrome of Fragile X 20 years ago. It was their keen efforts that Arbaclofen has been developed today.

Upon discovering their child suffering from the illness, they set out a foundation called FRAXA whose main aim was to collect enough funds for a research treatment that could save their son’s life. As said by Clapp, "Back in 1994, we knew exactly what we were aiming for, and it's gotten closer and closer, little by little".

Finally the research took place and the researchers found that Fragile X is a syndrome that disrupts a body system by controlling connections in the brain. Keeping this in mind, potential drugs were introduced to cure the problem.