Autism
Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Learning Differences
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Key Takeaways
- Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects girls, leading to severe cognitive, motor, and communication impairments.
- It is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene and is classified as a developmental brain disorder rather than a form of autism.
- Children with Rett Syndrome typically develop normally for the first 6 to 18 months before losing purposeful hand skills and facing challenges with walking, speech, and coordination.
- A hallmark sign is the loss of purposeful hand use, replaced by repetitive hand-wringing or clapping, often alongside slowed head growth, breathing irregularities, and seizures.
- There is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome, but physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with medications and nutritional support, can help manage symptoms and support development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects girls, causing severe cognitive, motor, and communication impairments. It is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene and is classified as a developmental brain disorder.
Is Rett Syndrome a form of autism?
No. Rett Syndrome is classified as a developmental brain disorder rather than a form of autism.
What are the early signs of Rett Syndrome in a child?
Children typically develop normally for the first 6 to 18 months, then begin to lose purposeful hand skills and show slowed growth along with challenges in walking, speech, and coordination. A telltale sign is loss of purposeful hand use replaced by repetitive hand-wringing or clapping.
At what age do Rett Syndrome symptoms usually appear?
Symptoms usually appear after an initial period of normal development, generally between 6 months and 2 years of age.
How is Rett Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a clinical evaluation of symptoms and developmental history, genetic testing to identify mutations in the MECP2 gene, neurological assessments to rule out other disorders, and observation of characteristic behaviors like hand-wringing and loss of motor skills.
Is there a cure for Rett Syndrome?
There is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome, but treatments such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medications, and nutritional support can help manage symptoms and support development.
