I have always felt that I’m lucky to have Mellissa ... but I feel in a way that she’s more special now. ... Her teachers often comment on what a determined little girl she is. If she does find a task hard at school she does not let it worry her too much.
Taken from Cheryl and Mellissa’s Story, Aspects, June 2005 issue, the newsletter of the Turner Syndrome Support Society UK
Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that exclusively affects females. The syndrome occurs when one of the two X chromosomes normally found in females is missing or contains certain structural defects.
Common characteristics associated with Turner syndrome may include short stature and a lack of ovarian development. Other physical characteristics such as a webbed neck, low set ears, low hairline, puffy hands and feet and/or arms that turn out slightly at the elbow may also be present. Some individuals with the syndrome may have scoliosis, dislocated hips, cardiovascular problems, kidney abnormalities and/or hearing difficulties. It is important to be aware that each individual presents with different combinations of symptoms.
In the school situation the student with Turner syndrome may experience difficulties with mathematical and visual spatial problems. Social and/or emotional problems may also present. Research suggests that girls with Turner syndrome are weak in mathematical achievement relative to reading achievement and verbal performance.
