Rett syndrome

Introduction

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability. It is estimated to affect about 1 in 12,000 girls born each year and is only rarely seen in males. This page covers: Rett syndrome Causes Diagnosis Management Outlook Advice for carers

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Introduction

Read about Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and causes severe physical and mental disability from early childhood.

Signs and symptoms

Some children with Rett syndrome are affected more severely than others.Also,the age at which symptoms first appear varies from child to child. A childwith Rett syndrome may not haveevery symptom lis

What causes Rett syndrome?

Almost all cases of Rett syndrome are caused by a mutation (a change in the DNA ) in the MECP2 gene, which is found on the X chromosome (one of the sex chromosomes ). The MECP2 gene contains instruct

DiagnosingRett syndrome

Rett syndrome is usually diagnosed based on your child's symptoms, and by ruling out other more common disorders. A diagnosis of Rett syndrome may not be madefor a number of years because the syndrom

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