Rett Syndrome

WHAT IS RETT SYNDROME?

Rett Syndrome is a condition that almost exclusively affects girls. They tend to develop normally for the first six months of their life but after that their development slows down or even regresses. Typical symptoms include becoming less interested in play, losing the ability to speak and becoming irritable.

Children with Rett Syndrome may stop using their hands for meaningful actions and may begin to move their hands in a repetive way. They may also lose their ability to crawl and walk and they may lose interest in their social environment. Other symptoms include a slowdown in head growth and difficulties with co-ordinating body movements. Over half the children with Rett Syndrome may also develop Epilepsy.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF RETT SYNDROME?

Rett Syndrome is caused when a gene whose function is to regulate the activity of other genes, stops working. This means that other genes may be active at inappropriate times and the development of the child is usually affected as a result.

HOW IS RETT SYNDROME DEALT WITH?

Currently there is no cure for Rett Syndrome. Therefore treatment for children with the condition is aimed at relieving their symptoms. For example, Physiotherapy can be used to improve a child's use of their muscles. Medication can be prescribed to control seizures, breathing and motor difficulties. Behaviour therapy can also be used to teach self coping mechanisms. Some children may require special equipment such as braces and splints to help their mobility. Nutritional programs can also be developed to help children with Rett Syndrome to maintain adequate weight.

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