What is the Difference Between Rett Syndrome and Autism?

Rett syndrome and autism are both neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect communication, social interaction, and cognitive abilities. However, there are key differences between the two conditions:

1. Gender prevalence: Rett syndrome usually occurs in girls, while autism spectrum disorder is more common in boys.
2. Symptoms: Some symptoms of Rett syndrome, such as slowed head growth, loss of hand skills, decreased mobility, and irregular breathing, do not typically occur in autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, children with autism often prefer objects to people, while children with Rett syndrome typically prefer people.
3. Social engagement: In Rett syndrome, the loss of social interest is often temporary, and many girls with the condition become socially engaged again over time. In contrast, children with autism tend to have persistent difficulties with social interaction.
4. Eye contact: People with Rett syndrome often learn to use eye movements to communicate their wishes, while those with autism often avoid eye contact.
5. Language skills: Both conditions can result in a loss of language skills, but the regression in Rett syndrome tends to happen between the ages of 1 to 4.
6. Repetitive behaviors: Repetitive hand movements, such as hand-wringing or touching the hands to the mouth, are common in Rett syndrome. In autism, the repetitive behaviors are more varied and may include spinning, body-rocking, and grinding of teeth.
7. Mutation: Most children with Rett syndrome have a mutation on the X chromosome, usually in the MECP2 gene. A small number of people with autism also have a mutation in the MECP2 gene.

While both conditions can make it difficult for individuals to communicate and socialize, the differences in symptoms, severity, and progression make them distinct disorders.

Comparative Table: Rett Syndrome vs Autism

Rett syndrome and autism are both neurodevelopmental disorders, but they have distinct differences and characteristics. Here is a table comparing the key differences between the two:

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, while autism is a more common neurodevelopmental disorder with a broader spectrum of symptoms and characteristics. Some common features between the two include a failure of normal developmental progress and the absence of progressive deterioration. However, the severity and presentation of symptoms, such as social skills, eye gaze, and hand skills, differ significantly between Rett syndrome and autism.