Which aspect primarily deteriorates in Rett Syndrome as the child develops?

Which aspect primarily deteriorates in Rett Syndrome as the child develops?

• A. Mobility and functional hand use
• B. Vision and hearing
• C. Gross motor skills only
• D. Communication skills only

Answer: (A)

In Rett Syndrome, the primary deterioration observed as the child develops is in mobility and functional hand use. This neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affects females and typically manifests between 6 months and 18 months of age with signs of normal development followed by a period of regression. Children with Rett Syndrome initially demonstrate typical milestones but later experience a loss of purposeful hand skills, which often leads to the development of repetitive hand movements, such as hand-wringing or hand-flapping. Simultaneously, they experience worsening mobility, which may include loss of ambulation and difficulties with motor coordination. While vision and hearing, gross motor skills, and communication skills can also be affected in Rett Syndrome, the key aspect that primarily deteriorates and is most characteristic of the syndrome is the decline in mobility and functional hand use. This decline significantly impacts the child’s ability to interact with their environment and perform daily tasks, which is central to occupational therapy interventions aiming to improve quality of life and functional independence.

In Rett Syndrome, the primary deterioration observed as the child develops is in mobility and functional hand use. This neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affects females and typically manifests between 6 months and 18 months of age with signs of normal development followed by a period of regression.

Children with Rett Syndrome initially demonstrate typical milestones but later experience a loss of purposeful hand skills, which often leads to the development of repetitive hand movements, such as hand-wringing or hand-flapping. Simultaneously, they experience worsening mobility, which may include loss of ambulation and difficulties with motor coordination.

While vision and hearing, gross motor skills, and communication skills can also be affected in Rett Syndrome, the key aspect that primarily deteriorates and is most characteristic of the syndrome is the decline in mobility and functional hand use. This decline significantly impacts the child’s ability to interact with their environment and perform daily tasks, which is central to occupational therapy interventions aiming to improve quality of life and functional independence.