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July 2026 Connections
Information for caregivers to help children thrive!
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Reflecting on DFX's deep connections to the Fragile X Community
July is Fragile X Awareness Month and this offers us the opportunity to reflect on how working with the Fragile X community catalyzed the founding of DFX and helped shape who we are today.
The "FX" in “Developmental FX” is drawn from Fragile X syndrome, but it can also mean the effects of development, or as a stand-in for the word function. We adopted FX into our title to mean all of these things. Our organization's roots stretch back to the late 1980s, when our founders, Mouse Scharfenaker and Tracy Stackhouse, began working alongside individuals and families impacted by Fragile X syndrome. Through decades of listening, learning, supporting, researching, and advocating for clients with Fragile X, they embraced the unique opportunity to study the relationship between biology, development, behavior, learning, participation, and relationships.
| | While Tracy and Mouse became recognized for their expertise in working with Fragile X families, they were always learning from a special teacher: Fragile X. It taught them that meaningful change requires understanding the whole person, not simply symptoms or challenges. They learned to look for strengths, capacities, interests, motivations, sensory & motor needs, communication styles, and the environments that support success. | | | |
They became convinced that the challenges individuals and families face are too complex to be solved in isolation. They saw that too often, individuals with neurodevelopmental differences and their families were expected to navigate siloed systems of medical, educational, and therapeutic care. Mouse and Tracy witnessed the transformative outcomes possible when children and families received coordinated support across the ecosystems in which they live, learn, work, play, and belong. These insights challenged them to think differently about how care should be organized and became the catalyst that inspired them to establish Developmental FX: The Developmental and Fragile X Resource Centre (DFX) as a nonprofit in 2003.
DFX’s Therapy that fits® philosophy is grounded in decades of experience supporting the Fragile X community. What began as a vision has become a community co-created by extraordinary clinicians, administrators, leaders, families, and partners who continue to shape and strengthen our work every day.
| | Now, in 2026, DFX's work extends far beyond the Fragile X community. We provide individualized direct services across disciplines while also supporting care coordination and navigation. We work in clinics, schools, homes, and other community settings, and strive to create clear pathways forward for children, adults, and families. We invest in innovation because complex challenges require creative solutions. Recognizing that knowledge only changes lives when it is accessible and shared, we share what we learn through our Learning Journeys program. | | |
As we recognize Fragile X Awareness Month, we honor the individuals and families whose experiences helped build the foundation of DFX. Their wisdom continues to guide us, and these lessons live on in every child, adult, family, clinician, and community we serve. For that, we are deeply grateful.
With appreciation,
Tracy and Mouse, Co-Founders of DFX, and the entire DFX Team
| | July is Fragile X Awareness Month
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition caused when a single gene on the X chromosome does not produce a protein needed for brain development, which may cause a range of developmental and behavioral impacts. Fragile X is the leading inherited cause of autism. You can learn more about Fragile X on the websites of the National Fragile X Foundation and FRAXA. | | | | |
World Fragile X Day is July 22!
A huge thanks to the City and County of Denver for supporting this annual event by once again illuminating the City and County Building to shine a light on the progress toward effective treatment and support for those with Fragile X syndrome.
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FRAXA, the Fragile X Research Foundation, is dedicated to supporting scientific advancements in effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X.
Learn more
| | National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF) provides resources for families affected by Fragile X, healthcare providers, educators, and others who serve the Fragile X community. They foster research, advocacy, and treatment.
Learn more | | |
Get Your Copy of the FX Max
Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR, created the FX MAX workbook to bring together resources created over many years of working with children living with Fragile X syndrome.
The FX MAX offers caregivers and providers easy to follow guidance and tools to empower them to deliver higher quality care for those living with Fragile X. Donate $55 to have a printed gift copy shipped to you.
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Celebrating Disability Pride Month
The history behind Disability Pride Month dates back to July 1990, which was the historic month and year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was finally signed into law, guaranteeing protection against discrimination for people with disabilities. The very first official Disability Pride Day was held in Boston that same year, and it has since grown into a global, month-long celebration.
Historically, people with disabilities have been systemically excluded from public life. Disability Pride Month was created as a dedicated time to unlearn internalized ableism, honor the activists who fought for the basic rights we have today, and highlight the vibrant culture of disability communities.
Let us use this month to re-commit to uplifting people with both visible and invisible disabilities, and building a world where all of us are included and celebrated.
| | JOIN US ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 | | |
DFX's 4th Annual Soiree is only 2 months away! Join us for our biggest event of the year on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science. You will have the chance to learn more about our work and talk with members of DFX's team and board while enjoying beverages and a delicious buffet dinner.
Show your support for DFX as we continue to elevate care for children with developmental differences and create a culture of engaged belonging!
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Support DFX in Style
Share our story and wear our gratitude! Through August 15, you can donate $25 to DFX and receive the DFX T-Shirt of your choice as a thank-you gift. Your donation will help us share Therapy that fits® with more children.
The purple shirt is available in youth sizes; all other designs available in adult sizes. Learn more at givebutter.com/dfx.
| | Thank you for being part of the DFX family and helping us bring Therapy that fits® to more kids! | |
| DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive. | | | | |
