What the devil is Rett Syndrome?? - disability spotlight

Rett Syndrome is a disorder considered neurodevelopmental in nature and often characterised by a de-celeration of rate of head growth, loss of intentional use of hands, and smaller than normal hands and feet. Early onset symptoms can include difficlty in crawling and walking, poor verbal communication and scarce if any eye contact. The symptoms and their severity seem to vary on a case by case basis. There is no known cure and there has been no known way of being able to predict its severity or onset. It is not unusual for Rett Sydnrome to be confused with or diagnosed as autism.

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An exciting recent research collaboration has just identified a genetic variation that influences the severity of symptoms in Rett syndrome. The joint Australian and Israli teams finsings will be published in an upcoming issue of the 'International Journal of Neurology.
The leading scientist involved in the Australian Rett Syndrome Study for Child Health Research at the Telethon Institute, Dr Helen Leonard, said the finding was exciting in that it may help identify and potentially predict the clinical progression of the debilitating neurological disorder. See the last article below for more information on this recent finding.

For more information on the syndrome we recommend you refer to the following recent books, articles and websites.

Rett Syndrome Books and Articles

Understanding Rett Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents, Teachers, And Therapists

Pathways to Learning in Rett Syndrome

Your Daughter Has Been Diagnosed With Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome Medical Guide

Deciphering the complexities of Rett syndrome.(Special Needs: Realizing Potential): An article from: Pediatric News

Genetic Test for Rett Syndrome Now Available.: An article from: Family Practice News

Recent Telethon Institute finding article - Science Alert

Rett Syndrome Interesting Websites

http://www.rettsyndrome.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rett_syndrome
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/rett/detail_rett.htm

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