Sonshine's Chromosomal Abnormality

Sonshine is finally starting to be able to sit still through church. Before the stern talking-to that got him to sit still, however, people were telling us we ought to have him tested for ADD. We decided not to bother, though. We already know what's wrong with him that makes him act up like that.

Sonshine has a genetic condition called BOY. BOY is a chromosomal abnormality; one of his two X chromosomes has been replaced by a Y chromosome. This happens in a surprisingly large percentage of the population. It is inherited from the parents; children with BOY have at least one genetic parent who also has BOY. And if a family has one child with BOY, there is a one in two chance their next child will also have BOY. (Bagel has this condition too.)

There is an easy, non-invasive test for BOY. Most doctors can perform it in their offices, and it is routinely performed at the birth of the child. Behavioral manifestations of BOY in children include: propensity for physical expression of energy, increased aggressiveness, and heightened interest in building things and/or blowing them up. If you think your child might have BOY but you are unsure, you should see your doctor.

There is currently no cure for BOY. (There is a surgery that can correct the anatomical manifestations of BOY, but it can only be performed on adults.) BOY can be managed, however, through discipline and behavioral therapy. It helps to let children with BOY have a regular time when they are allowed to let loose and do something physical, such as playing a sport or climbing on the jungle gym.

Some researchers believe BOY may be caused by consumption of dihydrogen monoxide during pregnancy, since virtually all women with children with BOY have been shown to have consumed significant amounts of it. Consequently, pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming even small amounts of this potentially toxic chemical.