Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation in Rett's Syndrome

Rett's syndrome, a pervasive development disorder, is a rare, neuro-developmental disorder that has been reported only in girl child⁷. It is characterized by dysfunction in three core areas of early childhood development namely communication, language skills, social interaction, repetitive behaviour, and restrictive activities and interest². A case study of 7 year old girl with Rett syndrome is presented here. The girl had normal development till the age of 4 and half however, gradually over the few months, she lost her acquired, purposeful hand skills, expressive and receptive language and reciprocal social interaction. She gradually developed a broad base gait and typical stereotype hand movements. The patient is on medications for seizures. The patient is assessed on GMFM scale, Motor Assessment Scale; Brief Ataxia Rating Scale.⁴ For treatment a Comprehensive approach was used, which included help of music therapy, speech and language development program. Motor skill development with the help of hydrotherapy and hippo therapy and social rehabilitation⁸

By this case report we hope better understanding and necessity of rehabilitation in Rett's syndrome patient for better results.