Rett syndrome (RTT), a brain disorder affecting development in childhood, has been identified almost exclusively in females RTT results in severe movement and communication problems following apparently normal development for the first six months of life. The characteristic features include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, occurrence of repetitive hand movements, abnormal walking, abnormal breathing, and slowing in the rate of head growth. Current treatment for girls with RTT includes physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication for seizures. No cure for Rett syndrome is known. In 2007, researchers heralded a major breakthrough by reversing RTT symptoms in mouse models. Rett syndrome is recognized as the Rosetta stone of other neurological disorders, with genetic links to other disorders like autism and schizophrenia. Girls and women with Rett syndrome have unusually bright eyes and seem to understand more than they can express. Thousands of girls and women world-wide are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with cerebal palsy or autism. Rett syndrome affects all ethnic, racial and socio-economic groups; every parent is at rick for having a child with Rett syndrome. For more information about Rett Syndrome, please click here for a PSA from Clint Black.
About The International Rett Syndrome Foundation
IRSF, having funded more than $20 million in direct research grants to date, is the world leading private funder of basic, translational and clinical Rett syndrome research. IRSF is the most comprehensive non-profit organization dedicated to providing thorough and accurate information about Rett syndrome, offering informational and emotional family support, and stimulating research aimed at accelerating treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome and related disorders. IRSF has been named a 4-star Charity by Charity Navigator - the highest honor. Charity Navigator is America's premier evaluator of not-for-profit organizations. To learn more about IRSF and Rett syndrome, visit www.rettsyndrome.org or call IRSF at 1-800-818-RETT.
Rett syndrome has taken away the future many parents have dreamed for their daughters. IRSF is working to give it back. Please join us in our mission.
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