Rett’s Disorder

Rett’s Disorder
By:By: Natalie Sten

An Overview of Rett Syndrome for Professionals
Possibly the leading cause of mental retardation and neurodevelopmental impairment in females.

After this seminar you will be able to:

* List the warning signs and symptoms of Rett Syndrome.
* Describe how to cope with children with Rett Syndrome and what the most important aspects of treatment are.
* State how school dynamics can play a critical role in the development of children with Rett Syndrome.

GLOSSARY
* Rett Syndrome (RS): A neurodevelopmental disorder that is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder
* Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD): Refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication.
* Apraxia: A neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned purposeful movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements.
* Respite Care: The provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.

What is diagnostic criteria for Rett Syndrome?
* Diagnostic Criteria for 299.80 Rett's Disorder
All of the following:
o apparently normal prenatal and perinatal development
o apparently normal psychomotor development through the first 5 months after birth
o normal head circumference at birth
o deceleration of head growth between ages 5 and 48 months
o loss of previously acquired purposeful hand skills between 5 and 30 months with the subsequent development of stereotyped hand movements (e.g., hand-wringing or hand washing)
o loss of social engagement early in the course ( although often social interaction develops later)
o appearance of poorly coordinated gait or trunk movements
o severely impaired expressive and receptive language development with severe psychomotor retardation

RS is Associated with PDDs or Autistic Spectrum Disorder
* Autism, also called autistic disorder, is a complex developmental disability that appears in early childhood, usually before age 3.
* Autism prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people and affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development.

How is Rett Syndrome Associated with Autism?
* Girls with RS often have autistic-like characteristics (speech & emotional contact impairment/ repetitive hand gestures) at an early age but differences begin to occur as the child continues to grow.

* The critical difference is the gene mutation that is defining of RS. However, females meeting criteria for RS do not meet the symptoms for autism.

Symptoms seen in RS that are NOT seen in Autism are:
* Deceleration of the rate of head growth
* Loss of purposeful hand skills
* Mobility or the irregular breathing patterns
* Repertoire of purposeless hand stereotypes
* Children with RS almost always prefer people to objects
* Children with RS often enjoy affection

Who is affected by RS?
Warning Signs and Symptoms:
There are 4 stages in the child’s development:
* Stage 1: Early Onset (6-18 months)
* Stage 2: Rapid Destructive (1-4 yrs old)
* Stage 3: Plateau (2-10 yrs. old)
* Stage 4: Late Motor Deterioration (Usually after age 10)

Do biological factors play a role?
Rett Syndrome:
Is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is quite rare. It causes a genetic mutation, linked to the X chromosome, which affects the production of a vital protein that controls brain development.
School dynamics associated with students with RS:
* A secure emotional environment is the first, most important aspect of a teaching environment so that children feel safe.
* Children with RS could be placed in a variety of classrooms from special education units to full inclusion according to their own individual needs and abilities.
* Structured, stimulating, restrictive-free classroom environments with direction and organization are necessary.
Interventions must be created based on the individualized needs of the child!

What can families do?
Stimulating environments at home:
Can you think of some emotionally motivating movements that could occur automatically?
It’s the Law in Pennsylvania

How you can help:
Parents and professionals can expect difficulties. What can help you cope?
* Talk about it.
* Be gentle with yourself.
* Learn how to ask for help.
* Trust your instincts.
* Learn to let go and to accept what can’t be changed.
TREATMENT
Therapies Include:
* Aquatic Rehabilitation
* Hydrotherapy
* Love Therapy
* Music Therapy
* Physical Therapy
* Therapist's Role
* Behaviors
* Hippotherapy
* Motor Development
* Occupational Therapy
* Speech Therapy

Where to go for more info?
1) International Rett Syndrome Association www.rettsyndrome.org
2) NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
www.ninds.nih.gov
3) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
www.nichd.nih.gov
References

Rett’s Disorder.ppt