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Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Rett’s Syndrome

Rett’s syndrome is a rare and debilitating disorder that affects girls almost exclusively. Unlike other ASD, children with Rett’s syndrome develop normally, then, spontaneously regress. Onset and severity varies from child to child. In early infancy, a baby with Rett’s syndrome loses muscle tone, has difficulty feeding and displays jerking movements in her limbs. Loss of motor function is the most severely disabling feature of this disorder and interferes with every body movement. There are four stages used to describe Rett’s syndrome, beginning at 6 to 18 months for stage 1 and ending with stage 4 that can last for years and decade. Nearly all cases of Rett’s syndrome are attributed to mutation in the gene, MECP2. Although it is a genetic disorder, most cases of mutation occur randomly. Prenatal and genetic testing are available for families with an affected female who has an identified MECP2 mutation. Boys who have a MECP2 mutation frequently do not show clinical signs of Rett’s syndrome but experience severe problems at birth and die shortly after. There is no cure and treatment focuses on the management of symptoms. Medications are used to treat breathing irregularities, motor difficulties and seizures. Occupational therapy is an option to help children develop the skills to dress and feed themselves. Physical therapy helps prolong mobility. Special equipment such as braces, academic, social, vocational and support services may be required for some individuals. Because the disorder is rare, very little is known about long-term prognosis and life expectancy.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

The majority of the children can be selfish but autistic children might seem rude, mean and inconsiderate with other kids around them. They do not share toys with other kids in short they are very selfish. Mostly they prefer to play with the same toys and the same manner of play they used to.
Autism spectrum disorder

April 4, 2011 - 12:56am
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