WHEREAS, Researchers have determined that the primary cause
of Rett syndrome is linked to a random mutation in the MECP2
gene; and
WHEREAS, Researchers have developed a genetic test to
complement a clinical diagnosis of Rett syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Although less than 1% of recorded cases of Rett
syndrome are due to genetic inheritance of the MECP2 mutation,
some families of individuals with Rett syndrome have been found
to have other female family members with an MECP2 mutation who
have not shown any clinical symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Prenatal testing is available for families with a
daughter affected by Rett syndrome; and
WHEREAS, The risk of a family having a second child with Rett
syndrome is less than 1%; and
WHEREAS, Early developmental intervention is crucial for
those who have been diagnosed with Rett syndrome, as children
can receive the necessary therapy and services to help them
reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Rett syndrome is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed
due to sharing similar symptoms with autism, cerebral palsy and
nonspecific developmental delay; and
WHEREAS, Rett syndrome can present in an array of
disabilities which result in complex and varied treatment
options for those individuals who are diagnosed with Rett
syndrome and often require the coordinated efforts of a team of
specialists; and
WHEREAS, Although there is no cure for Rett syndrome, well-
designed treatment plans may slow the loss of abilities, improve
or preserve movement and encourage communication and social
contact; and
20230HR0177PN1861 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30