Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in females.  RTT has been thought to affect 1 in 10,000 females.  It is now believed, however, that the prevalence rate of RTT may be much higher.  Although rare, it is possible for boys to also have the disorder.

Facts:  -Children with RTT appear to develop normally until 6 to 18 months of age.  -A regression robs the child of speech and hand skills.  -Motor-control problems, repetitive hand movements, irregular breathing, seizures, scoliosis and teeth grinding are all common symptoms.  -Mutations in the MECP2 gene cause RTT but have also been found in patients diagnosed with autism, schizophrenia, learning disabilities and neonatal encephalopathy.  The biochemical mechanism of MECP2 has been implicated in cancer.  -RTT leaves its victims profoundly disabled and completely dependent on others for every basic need.  -RTT knows no boundaries.  It strikes all racial, ethnic and religious groups equally.  -There are no cures or treatments for RTT.