Rett's Disorder is rare. Only about one out of 15,000 people has it. It is almost only seen in females. Early development is normal. But at about 6-8 months autism-like symptoms begin to appear. The little girl regresses. She no longer responds to her parents and pulls away from any social contact. If she has been talking, she stops. She cannot control her feet. She wrings her hands. Some of the problems that go along with Rett's Disorder can be treated. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help with coordination, movement, and speech.
Scientists have discovered that gene mutation that can cause Rett's. This may help. Doctors could slow or stop the progress of the disorder someday. It may also lead to methods of screening for Rett's. In this way doctors could start treating these children much sooner and really improve quality of life.
Adapted from Strock, M. (2004). Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders). NIH Publication No. NIH-04-5511, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 40 pp. Accessed on April 4, 2006 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm