What Is Rett’s Autism?

Rett’s syndrome is sometimes confused with autism because it shares overlapping features, but it is actually a rare genetic neurological disorder, not a type of autism. It primarily affects girls and is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene.

Key Characteristics of Rett’s Syndrome:

1. Early Development Followed by Regression – Children may develop normally for the first 6–18 months, then lose skills such as speech, hand use, or motor abilities.
   
   
2. Repetitive Hand Movements – Common behaviors include hand-wringing, clapping, or tapping.
   
   
3. Communication Challenges – Many children lose spoken language but may use eye contact or other nonverbal cues to communicate.
   
   
4. Motor and Growth Issues – Problems with coordination, walking, and slowed head growth are typical.
   
   
5. Similarities to Autism – Social withdrawal, stimming, and communication difficulties overlap with autism symptoms, which is why Rett’s was once grouped under the “autism spectrum” but is now recognized as a separate disorder.

Early diagnosis and therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can help improve quality of life and skill development.

At Milestone Achievements, we provide personalized 

0. to help children with autism and related conditions build communication, independence, and confidence. 

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SOURCE:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482252/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418308650

https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/congenital-neurologic-anomalies/rett-syndrome

https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/rett-syndrome

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6089-rett-syndrome