THE mother of two teenagers with learning difficulties caused by a genetic condition is supporting a continent-wide awareness drive.

Liz Robinson's sons have Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited condition which also causes behavioural problems and social anxiety.

Mrs Robinson said: "We found out when my youngest son, Sam, was two-and-a-half. Because of developmental delays, he wasn't speaking and he walked late and so he had a blood test.

"Ben was four-and-a-half at the time and he was tested too. The results showed they both had Fragile X and I was a carrier.

"For Sam, we knew he had issues and this was an answer."

Sam, 15, attends Southfield special school and Ben, 17 , who has a milder form of the condition, attends Bradford Academy.

Support workers from the Fragile X Society have visited Ben's school to speak to his teachers, which MrsRobinson said had made such a difference to his life as they knew know more about how to deal with the syndrome.

She said: "Despite their difficulties people with Fragile X can enjoy a good quality of life. My sons both have great lives and busy social lives despite being affected.

"They enjoy biking and walking and often do these activities together as a family."

Ben is currently studying practical subjects, such as cooking, hospitality and sports. He is also in a drumming group and has his first gig tomorrow.

Mrs Robinson, who lives at Bowling Park Drive, East Bowling, Bradford, with her sons and husband, Jon, added: "Don't be quick to judge if you see a child or young person having a crisis. You never know what issues the child is facing."

Fragile X Syndrome affects around one in 4,000 boys and one in 6,000 girls.

As well as learning disabilities, common behavioural difficulties include a short attention span, impulsiveness and restlessness.

Many children and adults show features that are similar to those of autism – a dislike of eye contact, difficulty in relating to other people, anxiety in social situations and insistence on familiar routines.

Speech and language are usually delayed with continuing speech and communication problems.

European Fragile X Awareness Day is held today.