Rett syndrome

Definition

Diagnostic criteria (from external source, not released by WHO) A. Apparently normal prenatal and perinatal period and apparently normal psychomotor development through the first six months and normal head circumference at birth. B. Deceleration of head growth between five months and four years and loss of acquired purposeful hand skills between six and 30 months of age that is associated with concurrent communication dysfunction and impaired social interactions and appearance of poorly coordinated/unstable gait and/or trunk movements. C. Development of severely impaired expressive and receptive language, together with severe psychomotor retardation. D. Stereotyped midline hand movements (such as hand wringing or washing) with an onset at or after the time that purposeful hand movements are lost.

Index Terms