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Rett's disorder is a rare disorder, so far identified only in female children. Although its symptoms overlap markedly with the symptoms of Autism, signs of Rett's disorder are seen only after a 6-month period of apparently normal development, but before 4 years of age. Once Rett's Disorder takes over, the child's head ceases to grow at a normal rate. Children with Rett's Disorder may go through a phase in which they are as antisocial as autistic children, but the phase usually passes. Rett's Disorder causes children to lose hand skills that they previously possessed, and to walk and move awkwardly. The cognitive deficits associated with Rett's Disorder are permanent, but children with Rett's benefit from education and, in a few cases, may even be able to live independently. However, the treatment options are limited, and in many cases the symptoms will become worse instead of better. A government web site treats Rett's disorder as a subtype of pervasive developmental disorder. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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