You might’ve heard the term “Rett’s autism” and wondered what it really means. Rett’s syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that mostly affects girls. It’s not exactly a form of autism, but the two can look similar—especially early on.
Kids with Rett’s often show challenges with speech, movement, and social interaction, which is why people sometimes associate it with autism.
Understanding Rett’s Syndrome
Rett’s syndrome happens because of a change in the MECP2 gene, which plays an important role in brain development. Most children develop normally for their first year or so, and then parents start noticing changes—like:
- Losing words or hand skills they once had
- Repetitive hand movements (like clapping or wringing)
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Slowed head or body growth
It can be heartbreaking to see your child lose skills, but early support and therapy can make a big difference.
How Rett’s Syndrome Differs from Autism
While autism can have many causes and shows up in lots of different ways, Rett’s syndrome has a clear genetic cause. The main difference is that children with Rett’s typically lose abilities they once had, while autism traits are usually present from the start.
Still, both conditions benefit from consistent therapy and structured support—especially through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
If you’re in Maryland and looking for help, Able Stars ABA offers personalized, caring support for families. We provide:
- In-home ABA so your child can learn in a familiar, comfortable setting
- School-based ABA for smoother days at school
- ABA parent training to help you feel confident supporting your child
Every child deserves a chance to grow and shine. Reach out to Able Stars ABA today to get started.
FAQs
Is Rett’s syndrome the same as autism?
Not quite. Rett’s shares some traits with autism, but it’s caused by a specific gene mutation.
Can boys have Rett’s syndrome?
It’s extremely rare, but yes—it can occur in boys, though most cases are in girls.
Can ABA therapy help with Rett’s?
Absolutely. ABA therapy can improve communication, behavior, and independence, helping children with Rett’s reach their fullest potential.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5798978/
- https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/
- https://reverserett.org/about-rett-syndrome/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6089-rett-syndrome
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-024-00568-0