University of Michigan Health System

Your Child

| More

Rett Syndrome

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

Find out more about Rett syndrome on this page from the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF).

How is it diagnosed?
Find out about symptoms and diagnosis on this page from the IRSF.

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 Foundation is a partnership of parents and professionals that promotes research, family suppoert, awareness and advocacy. Their Web site provides excellent family resources that are especially helpful if your daughter has just been diagnosed.
- Spanish language resources from the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
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.