An infant with Rett syndrome usually has normal development for the first 6 - 18 months. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Symptoms may include:
Apraxia Breathing problems: problems tend to get worse with stress; breathing is usually normal during sleep and abnormal while awake Change in development Excessive saliva and drooling Floppy arms and legs: frequently the first sign Intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties (assessing cognitive skills in those with Rett syndrome, however, is difficult because of the speech and hand motion abnormalities) Scoliosis Shaky, unsteady, or stiff gait; or toe walking Seizures Slowing head growth beginning at approximately 5 - 6 months of age Loss of normal sleep patterns Loss of purposeful hand movements; for example, the grasp used to pick up small objects is replaced by repetitive hand motions like hand wringing or constant placement of hands in mouth Loss of social engagement Ongoing, severe constipation and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Poor circulation that can lead to cold and bluish arms and legs Severe language development problems
Problems in breathing pattern may be the most upsetting and difficult symptom for parents to watch. Why they happen and what to do about them is not well understood. Most experts in Rett syndrome recommend that parents remain calm through an episode of irregular breathing like breath holding. It may help to remind yourself that normal breathing always returns and that your child will become used to the abnormal breathing pattern.
What are the symptoms of Rett syndrome?
An infant with {{NAME}} syndrome usually has normal development for the first 6 - 18 months. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Symptoms may include:
{{NAME}} problems: problems tend to get worse with stress; breathing is usually normal during sleep and abnormal while awake Change in development Excessive saliva and drooling Floppy arms and legs: frequently the first sign Intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties (assessing cognitive skills in those with {{NAME}} syndrome, however, is difficult because of the speech and hand motion abnormalities) Scoliosis {{ORGANIZATION}}, unsteady, or stiff gait; or toe walking Seizures Slowing head growth beginning at approximately 5 - 6 months of age Loss of normal sleep patterns Loss of purposeful hand movements; for example, the grasp used to pick up small objects is replaced by repetitive hand motions like hand wringing or constant placement of hands in mouth Loss of social engagement Ongoing, severe constipation and gastroesophageal {{NAME}} ({{ORGANIZATION}}) Poor circulation that can lead to cold and bluish arms and legs Severe language development problems
Problems in breathing pattern may be the most upsetting and difficult symptom for parents to watch. Why they happen and what to do about them is not well understood. Most experts in {{NAME}} syndrome recommend that parents remain calm through an episode of irregular breathing like breath holding. It may help to remind yourself that normal breathing always returns and that your child will become used to the abnormal breathing pattern.