What is a common symptom of Rett syndrome?

In Rett syndrome, one of the hallmark symptoms is the presence of meaningless gestures or movements. This condition primarily affects girls and is characterized by normal early development followed by a period of regression, where individuals may lose purposeful hand skills. As a result, repetitive hand movements or gestures, such as hand-wringing or clapping, often replace functional use of the hands. This symptom is particularly distinctive and helps differentiate Rett syndrome from other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Other symptoms associated with Rett syndrome can include language impairment, loss of social engagement, and issues with coordination and mobility. While hyperactivity, rapid mood swings, and severe anxiety can be observed in various behavioral health conditions, they are not specific to Rett syndrome and do not capture the unique repetitive behaviors often seen in this particular disorder. Thus, meaningless gestures and movements are key indicators of Rett syndrome, highlighting the importance of recognizing and understanding this symptom in the context of the disorder.