The Focus Foundation

rdf:langString The Focus Foundation

rdf:langString The Focus Foundation, located in Davidsonville, Maryland, is a research foundation dedicated to identifying and assisting families and children who have X and Y Chromosomal Variations (also called X & Y chromosomal variations), dyslexia and/or developmental coordination disorder. These conditions can lead to language-based disabilities, motor planning deficits, reading dysfunction, and attention and behavioral disorders. The Focus Foundation believes that, through increased awareness, early identification, and specific and targeted treatment, children with these conditions can reach their full potential. The Focus Foundation leads in the research of X and Y Chromosomal Variations with 25% of all publications on the disorders. The foundation also leads the research field in testosterone treatment for the testosterone deficiency associated with extra X chromosomes. The Focus Foundation was established in 2005 by Carole Samango-Sprouse. Dr. Samango-Sprouse is also the director of the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, located near Annapolis, Maryland, and an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics at Florida International University. She serves as the executive director and Chief Science Officer of The Focus Foundation and has experience with the three disorders that are the Foundation's focus: X & Y chromosomal variations, developmental dyspraxia and dyslexia. The Focus Foundation attempts to increase awareness an X and Y chromosomal variations in order to help children with these disorders. Although all physicians, ancillary health care providers and special educators are taught that genetic abnormalities can impact a child's development, practitioners often receive insufficient information about these disorders, and, therefore, do not often test for X & Y chromosomal variations when a child presents with neurodevelopmental concerns. By promoting awareness of these disorders and associated symptoms, The Focus Foundation hopes to increase early identification, implement interventions, and help families pursue optimal outcomes for their children.