The Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland is an association of parents and families of people affected with Rett Syndrome and other related disorders.
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder seen in infancy that occurs almost exclusively in females. It was first described by the Austrian pediatrician Andreas Rett 50 years ago but only in 1999 was identified the cause in a random mutation of a gene, called MECP2, on the X Chromosome and as of now there is no cure.
The disease has a cynical and aggressive attitude because the early developmental appear normal, but between 6-18 months of age, there is a delay or regression in development, that progressively cause physical and intellectual disabilities particularly affecting speech, hand skills and gait.
Girls become unable to walk, talk or use their hands resulting in total dependency for all of their needs 24/7 for all of their lives. Many individuals with Rett syndrome live long into adulthood but they develop Epileptic seizures, low tone, irregularity in heart rate and breathing problems.
