At what age does Rett syndrome begin?
The age when Rett syndrome begins and the severity of different symptoms may vary. The child with Rett is usually born healthy and shows an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until 6–18 months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns which occur when she is awake. There may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. (I might add a little more hope here) Around school age, interaction and attention tend to improve and other symptoms may decrease or improve although motor performance may slow.
