Rett syndrome is a genetic brain disorder. Children often, but not always, develop normally in the first few months of life and start showing some regression in a variety of areas, with symptoms including:
- difficulties with hand use, posture and movement
- hand stereotypies, such as hand wringing
- communication difficulties
- feeding difficulties
- seizures
- breathing abnormalities.
The condition is genetic (although largely not inherited) and is usually caused by a fault on a gene called MECP2 which is found on the X chromosome.
It is estimated to occur in one in 10,000 girls in the UK. Boys with the disorder are very rare.
The Evelina London Rett service is a national specialist outpatient clinic which was established by Dr Hilary Cass in 1992.
The service was developed with the charity Rett UK. Rett UK offers advice and support for families affected by Rett syndrome.