Rett Syndrome
As seen through the eyes of someone who knows
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder, found primarily in females. The girls progress normally up until about 12 to 18 months of age when the characteristics of Rett start to reveal themselves. All the social skills and motor skills they have obtained slowly cease to progress, starting a process of regression to what is the equivalent of living the rest of their life as an infant. They lose use of their hands, the ability to speak and most are bound to a wheelchair. Parents and siblings become 24-hour caregivers, changing their lives forever as well…
Kevin Black
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome has been most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specific developmental delay
Rett syndrome is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2. There are more than 200 different mutations found on the MECP2 gene. Most of these mutations are found in eight different “hot spots.”
Rett syndrome strikes all racial and ethnic groups, and occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 female births.
Rett syndrome is a postnatal neurological disorder. It is not a degenerative disorder.
Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.
Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably.
Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve.
Rett syndrome is confirmed with a simple blood test to identify the MECP2 mutation. However, since the MECP2 mutation is also seen in other disorders, the presence of the MECP2 mutation in itself is not enough for the diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Diagnosis requires either the presence of the mutation (a molecular diagnosis) or fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria (a clinical diagnosis, based on signs and symptoms that you can observe) or both.
Rett syndrome can present with a wide range of disability ranging from mild to severe. The course and severity of Rett syndrome is determined by the location, type and severity of her mutation and X-inactivation. Therefore, two girls of the same age with the same mutation can appear quite different.
Rett syndrome presents many challenges, but with love, therapy and assistance, those with the syndrome can benefit from school and community activities well into middle age and beyond. They experience a full range of emotions and show their engaging personalities as they take part in social, educational, and recreational activities at home and in the community.**
** Courtesy of, and for more information regarding: rettsyndrome.org
