title: Perspectives on hand function in girls and women with Rett syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually associated with a mutation on the X-linked MECP2 gene. Hand function is particularly affected and we discuss theoretical and practical perspectives for optimising hand function in Rett syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the literature pertaining to hand function and stereotypies in Rett syndrome and developed a toolkit for their assessment and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is little published information on management of hand function in Rett syndrome. We suggest assessment and treatment strategies based on available literature, clinical experience and grounded in theories of motor control and motor learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additional studies are needed to determine the best treatments for hand function in Rett syndrome. Meanwhile, clinical needs can be addressed by supplementing the evidence base with an understanding of the complexities of Rett syndrome, clinical experience, environmental enrichment animal studies and theories of motor control and motor learning.
authors.affiliation: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia , Perth , Western Australia.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Downs
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ranelli
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Diener
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lotan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001072:Apraxias / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019956:Stereotypic Movement Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology; D014741:Video Recording