title: Rett syndrome: a comprehensive review of the literature.
abstract: A comprehensive review of Rett syndrome, a recently identified developmental disability found only in females, was presented. The syndrome involves severe physical and mental handicaps. The rapidly accumulating research on Rett syndrome was reviewed for readers without a medical background. A brief history of Rett syndrome, the diagnostic criteria for this disorder, and the clinical stages that have been noted were presented. Information on the incidence of Rett syndrome and a discussion of issues in differential diagnosis (particularly with autism) was also included. The etiological data and genetic theories were then discussed as were treatment approaches and prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Thistletown Regional Centre, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology