The following was written by an active member of XXYTalk.com named Onnineko. He is an educated and professionally employed XXY living a successful life.
I strongly suspect that with continued education and time, that the typical XXY person will develop a greater intelligence than a "typical" XX or XY person.
There are three reasons for this:
1. We XXY's mature more slowly.
The development time of the typical person is very short. It is well known that a child learns both better and faster than an adult. An XXY child develops over a period considerably longer than an XY or XX child, about 8 more years. Society for 99% of the world believes is that at 18, the child is mature. However, XXY children (untampered with) mature at about age 25. If we compare an XXY child at their point of relative maturity at age 25 to an 18 year old, the 25 year old child is significantly higher on intelligence tests. This is an oversight of the medical establishment.
2. For all that the medical establishment has gone to great lengths to suppress XXYers we make up a remarkable percentage of higher tasking jobs overall, than most of the rest of the human race. But, no doubt this would also require studies to prove.
3. At the age of 30 .. because relative levels of maturity are now consistent, the XXYer should score higher on intelligence tests. But we don't study these kinds of things. The XXYer should go get a job that requires a higher IQ.
The hardest part of this, though, is that you will have to compete in a system not suited for you. To establish bona fides that the rest of the world will accept you must attend a university to the PHD level. Right now, we encompass business leaders in all levels of society. To keep going higher though requires education. Be it self education, or university training. And our best kept secret? We can blend with just about any group.
Don't sell yourself short. The reason that most XXYers have trouble is because society is not setup to provide the social network that we need.
XXYers do not mature until 25. You typically send your kid out to "be a man" at 18, but with as an XXY you've essentially kicked a 14 year old out the door. That 14 year old might be really smart, but collectively they're not all here yet. They're not yet mature by society's standard. And that's because we mature slower. We have more time to learn at the pace that only children can learn at.
And lastly what about this assumption that we have learning difficulties? Take the XXYer and start school with the 5 year olds at age 6. Oddly enough, no learning disabilities. However, society will not tolerate the abuse of their "it works for 99% of the people, it will work for you, rule". So use the time you have wisely, and learn as much as you can.
As for college. They teach using a method that works great for 99% of the world. Unfortunately that missed all of us XXY's. What I found is that attending "part-time" one or two classes at a time, worked really well. I could focus more effort into learning, than the course required. Of course I always end up learning about 5 times the material that was intended to be taught because I have to know why this or that theorem applies. They only test on a small percentage of the material. Most of the testing focuses on short term memory.
For me it's been 20 years and I can still do calculus. The only people I've met that can skip into the topic of calculus like it was yesterday are mathematics professors. This is because we (XXYs) have a stronger bond to long term memory. Being able to step backwards to the moment someone said or wrote an idea and explained it means we can talk to specific ideas across decades.
So what am I really saying here?
1. You're smart.
2. Get an education.
3. Use your young years for all they are worth because thats when languages are easy. And your young years go to about age 25 (not 18 like typical XX's and XY's).
Written by Onnineko of XXYTalk.com
A Different Perspective on Being XXY -- Is it a Priviledge?
What Is Klinefelter Syndrome?
The group of symptoms with Klinefelter Syndrome was first described in 1942 by Dr. Harry Klinefelter and his coworkers. In the late 1950s other researchers indicated that males with these specific symptoms had an extra X chromosome (XXY) instead of the usual XY configuration found in males.
It appears from studies that the XXY chromosome arrangement is one of the most frequently seen genetic chromosomal variation found in humans, occurring in as many as 1:500 to 1:1000 live male births. An outstanding trait of the XXY population is the wide variability of physical characteristics and symptoms. Some show no abnormalities at all.
Characteristics/Symptoms
For those XXY's who develop Klinefelter Syndrome, typical characteristics and symptoms include:
Diagnosis
Because XXY's often times don’t look any different from others, many remain undiagnosed their entire lives. Of course, for those who develop Klinefelter Syndrome, it is beneficial for the child to be diagnosed as soon as possible so that the learning disabilities and behavioral issues can be addressed and managed early on.
The earliest a child can be identified as having XXY is prior to birth. With the use of an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), the chromosome variation can be detected. If, however, prenatal testing was not considered, the child may not be diagnosed until beginning school, where the child begins to show a delay in language skills and difficulty with reading and writing. If at that point Klinefelter Syndrome is considered, a simple blood test can confirm the syndrome.
Treatment
There is no cure for Klinefelter Syndrome, therefore, treatment is symptomatic. Regular injections of the male hormone, testosterone, beginning at puberty, can have positive effects on many of the symptoms if the child is supposed to develop as male. Otherwise, estrogen is applicable. In some cases, for those who have developed excessive breast tissue, surgery may be required. As many children with Klinefelter Syndrome have speech and language difficulties, it may also be helpful to work with a speech pathologist.
In terms of the child’s education, XXY's with Klinefelter Syndrome are typically well behaved in the classroom and are eager to please the teacher. However, if they are presented with material that they find difficult, they tend to withdraw. If it goes unnoticed by the teacher, the child may fall behind in the curriculum and may need to be held back a grade. Therefore, it is important, for the success of the child, to be in a small classroom where he can receive sufficient individual attention from the teacher. The child’s chances of success are even greater if the parents and school cooperate to form an individualized education plan and provide related services if necessary.
What to Expect
The adolescent years can be difficult. XXY boys with Klinefelter Syndrome tend not to be as strong or as athletic as other boys. This lack of strength and agility, combined with learning disabilities may damage self-esteem. Counseling in the adolescent years, therefore, may be necessary.
Little is known about adults with Klinefelter Syndrome. One study in particular, however, found that those with Klinefelter Syndrome were more likely to have scholastic failure, depression and other psychological problems, as well as a lack of energy and enthusiasm. However, by the time many reached their forties, most had overcome their problems. The majority of XXY's also reported that their energy and activity levels had increased, that they were more productive on the job, and that their relationships with other people had improved. The study also revealed, however, that XXY's with Klinefelter Syndrome were less likely to have been married than typical males.
Generally speaking, it is expected that if the children with Klinefelter Syndrome receive appropriate intervention, such as counseling and hormone supplements, in the early years, they can live a very full and productive life.
Council Members
XXYTalk.com
International Klinefelter Syndrome, XXY and Variants Support ForumsFounding Member - Klinefelter Syndrome Awareness Council
Contact: Paul - 47,XXY
Klinefelter's Syndrome Association - UK
United Kingdom (UK) Support OrganisationContact: Paul - 47,XXY
GendersInX.org
Support for people with Klinefelter's and others
Contact: Andre - XXY/XY Mosaic
Klinefelter Syndrome Information & Support
Stefan Schwarz's WebsiteContact: Stefan - XXY/XY Mosaic
