JAMES Taylor-Hall is a happy-go-lucky little boy who loves playing with his three big sisters. The seven-year-old is doing really well at school and has a bright outlook on life.

But four years ago, when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, his parents Carl and April Taylor-Hall had no idea what lay ahead for him.

James suffers from fragile X syndrome - a hereditary condition which can lead to hyperactivity, short attention span, a negative response to touch, poor eye contact, repetition of words and phrases, hypersensitivity and being double jointed. Cognitive development - thinking, problem solving and understanding different concepts - can also be delayed.

Carl and April first noticed something wasn't quite right at around 15 months when James wasn't developing as quickly as other children his age.

But his diagnosis did not come until July 4, 2002, just before James's third birthday, a date that April remembers well.

"It was a huge shock when we were told that James had fragile X syndrome, and hard to take in as we had never heard of it," April said.

"It's a genetic condition and ,after a DNA test, it turned out that I was the carrier of the gene. Routine tests during pregnancy would not pick up this condition, and we were not aware of it in the family until James's diagnosis."

To help him while he was at home, Carl and April built him a special safe space - a padded sensory room - at their Warndon Villages home after donations from several organisations.

The room, which is now James's bedroom, allowed him to play in safety, as he has no sense of danger. It also has special sensory aids such as fibre optic strands, bubble tubes, textured materials and music to help James become used to outside stimuli. But since that was built in January 2004, James has progressed well with help from his school - Rigby Hall in Bromsgrove - and constant care and support from his family and carers.

April added: "James has severe learning difficulties, but he has now learnt to communicate and is interacting with people. He's a very happy little boy. He used to have problems getting about as he was very clumsy, but that has all improved too."

Throughout the past four years there has been one organisation that has helped Carl and April tremendously - the Fragile X Society. And, for the first time this year, the charity will benefit from this year's Jeans for Genes Appeal on Friday, when people around the country are asked to wear jeans to work or school and make a donation.

Jeans for Genes aims to help the estimated 1 in 33 babies suffering from genetic disorders in the UK by funding vital research projects and family support services.

April said that she and her family had received invaluable support from the charity's staff who are always on the other end of the phone if she needs support.

"Just having someone there who understands means such a lot," she said. "Looking after James is just normal life for us now, and he is very happy and very much loved."

WHAT IS FRAGILE X SYNDROME?

FRAGILE X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited learning disability. Some children attend mainstream school with help while others attend schools for children with severe learning difficulties. A typical fragile X child is inattentive, easily distracted and overactive. These difficulties, combined with anxiety in social situations, can lead to challenging behaviour. Speech is usually delayed with continuing speech difficulties.

Founded in 1990, the Fragile X Society offers support and information to families and professionals caring for children and adults affected by the syndrome. The society gives help, information and guidance to parents and professionals. It also offers the practical experience of those who care daily for children and adults with fragile X and encourages research.

The Jeans for Genes grant will help the Fragile X Society to fund its first family support worker. The society receives 2,000 calls a year and this number is growing. For details visit www.fragilex.org.uk

SIGN UP FOR JEANS FOR GENES

ACTRESS Tamzin Outhwaite is urging offices, schools and workplaces up and down the country to register now to take part in the annual Jeans for Genes Day.

Former EastEnders star Tamzin is fronting the national appeal which has raised millions for children with genetic disorders - thanks to the public donning their denims and making a donation - and is inviting everyone to dress to impress on Friday.

Tamzin, who will be glitzing up her jeans to take part, says: "These disorders can devastate young children's lives. Taking part in Jeans for Genes and making a donation will make a huge impression on the lives of affected children and give many families hope for the future."

Jeans for Genes expects thousands of people nationwide to take part, helping to raise a target £4m. All you have to do to join in is register on the appeal's freephone hotline on 0800 980 4800 or at www.jeansforgenes.com.

Ten national charities will benefit, including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.