What is Rett syndrome?
Rett syndrome is a genetic syndrome that causes autism-like symptoms in girls usually starting between six and 18 months of age.  Up until that time, the girls have normal development. 

• Find out more about the genetics of Rett syndrome from the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation (RSRF).

How is it diagnosed?
Find out about symptoms and diagnosis on this page from the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation (RSRF).

Is there any treatment?
There is no cure, but there are treatment options for the symptoms.  Treatment may include:

• Supportive care to assist with everyday activities
• Nutritional support
• Physical therapy and hydrotherapy to improve flexibility and movement
• Occupational therapy to help with doing daily activities
• Speech therapy to help with communication
• Medication to treat seizures, breathing, and motor problems
• Special equipment like braces or splints for orthopedic problems

Where can we find more information and support?

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has a short information page on Rett syndrome.
• More detailed Rett syndrome fact sheet from the NINDS.
• El Síndrome de Rett—Spanish language fact sheet from the NINDS.
• This publication on Rett Syndrome from the National Institutes of Health includes the research findings on its genetic basis.
• Rett syndrome information on the Genetics Home Reference—a guide to understanding genetic conditions.
• The International Rett Syndrome Association is a partnership of parents and professionals that promotes information, research, support and advocacy. Their Web site has a great section on family support.  It has merged with the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation.  The group is also dedicated to funding, promoting, and accelerating biomedical research for the treatment and cure of Rett Syndrome. Their Web site provides excellent parent resources that are especially helpful if your daughter has just been diagnosed.
• Information and resources on Rett syndrome at Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders (WE MOVE). 
• Rett syndrome resources from MedlinePlus.
• Clinical trials on Rett syndrome at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Related topics on YourChild:

• Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
• Genetic Syndromes
• Speech and Language Delays and Disorders

Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R. N.  Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated June 2008

U-M Health System Related Sites:
U-M Pediatrics

Our editorial policy
The information and links we provide are reviewed by University of Michigan developmental and behavioral pediatricians and child psychologists who are experts in child behavioral health. In choosing the links we provide, we use strict criteria to ensure that the information is accurate, and the source is reputable. As much as possible, we focus on information that is based on research. In areas where there is inadequate research, we include information compatible with prevailing expert opinion.

This website is updated regularly, but because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, we cannot be responsible for misinformation that may be accessed through the links provided. As always, this website is not a tool for self-diagnosis, and is not a substitute for professional care.

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