What Is Rett's Disorder?

This Type Of Autism Is An
Inherited Disorder.

The specific cause of Rett's Disorder is a defect in the MDCP2 gene. Since this gene is found on the X chromosome only girls are affected.

This gene should encode for a protein which controls the expression of other genes. Therefore, a multitude of genes malfunction in this disorder.

Early development appears normal until about 5-6 months old. Then, the rate of head growth slows remarkably between 5 and 48 months old resulting in microencephaly (small head in relation to age).

During this same time, your child loses purposeful hand movements, and develops stereotyped hand movements, such as handwashing, hand wringing, hand tapping, and hand clapping. These hand movements can vary. Also, gait and trunk movements become uncoordinated.

Loss of social engagement occurs early, but then social interaction may develop again later. Your child also demonstrates expressive and receptive language impairments.

These symptoms are generally progressive. The DSM-IV further defines the specific features.

This type of autism is usually associated with severe or profound mental retardation. Seizures and EEG abnormalities may occur, and hyperventilation, sleep apnea, and scoliosis may also develop. Most children will survive into adulthood.

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