March 7, 2008, Newsletter Issue #81: Rett's Disorder and Chromosome X

Tip of the Week


Rhett's disorder was discovered back in 1999 and is credited to researchers form the Baylor College of Medicine. Rhett's disorder has profound symptoms. The child develops normally then progressively loses previously mastered skills between the ages of five months and two years.

Previously, researchers assumed that Rett's syndrome affected females and not males. However, newer findings show that the condition is found in both sexes. The male babies who have Rett's syndrome die before or shortly after birth.

The cases of Rett's disorder are very rare even in females. The child experiences significant loss of language and motor skills and begins to exhibit stereotyped repetitive movements commonly associated with autism.

Clear signs of Rett's disorder include significant loss of previously mastered skills after seemingly normal development. Language development is severely affected by Rett's disorder and the child replaces deliberate, useful hand movements with repetitive movements associated with autism. The child's head growth slows between five and 48 months of age and she may be prone to have seizures.

Medications are commonly used in the treatment of this rare pervasive developmental disorder. Common medications include antidepressants, beta blockers, anti psychotic medications and medications that block opiates in the brain.

Interventions for Rhett's disorder include behavioral and social interventions commonly used in the treatment of autism. A neuropsychiatric doctor or neurologist will often be assigned to these severe cases.

Parents of children with Rett's disorder can find support and information through The International Rett Syndrome Association.

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