u003ch3 style=u0022text-align: center;u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eAbout Rett Syndromeu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003er

u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e is a unique postnatal neurological disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e has been most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specfic developmental delay.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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.”u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e strikes all racial and ethnic groups, and occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 female births. Although u003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e can affect males, the incidence in males is not known.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e is not a degenerative disorder.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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, stereotypical 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, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and sleep disturbances. 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.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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 u003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e. 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.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e can present with a wide range of disability ranging from mild to severe. The course and severity of u003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e in males is rare, but does occur at low prevalence. With advances in research, diagnosis and increasing awareness we now have a better understanding of how a mutation in an X-linked gene leads to u003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e in males.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #ffffff;u0022u003eu003ca class=u0022rslinku0022 href=u0022https://rettsyndrome.org/u0022u003eRett syndromeu003c/au003e 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.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e