The Comparison between Rett Syndrome and Autism Diagnoses

There is a lot of misconception and misunderstanding when it comes to autism, since medical professionals are still in the dark for the cause and reason. Symptoms of other neurological disorders, such as the Rett Syndrome, might be confused with diagnoses of autism. Small Steps Big Dreams in Dubai, UAE aim is to provide optimum support to parents and guardians who go through this challenge, with as clear cut answers as it can provide.

Rett Syndrome (RTT) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Role of Genes and Genetics

Gene has an important effect on both autism and Rett Syndrome. Where Autism runs in families, Rett might be caused by a genetic mutation in the X chromosome. Common diagnoses of autism show us that autism is more likely to show in males as compared to women. In contrast to this, Rett syndrome is more common in female patients.

Repetition of movements is associated with both conditions. In Rett syndrome, repetitive hand movements, typically including wringing of the hands and/or touching one’s mouth with one’s hands, are normally recurrent, so much so that they can keep individuals from making conscious use of their hands. On the other hand, the repetitive behaviours common of autistic individuals are comparatively more varied, inclusive of but not limited to teeth-grinding, rocking of one’s body and spinning.

Social Behaviour

Many a study on ASD showcases that non-normative social behaviour is a defining sign of the disorder. They are also more inclined to be attracted to material items. This is why the main focus for helping autistic children is their inclusion in various social activities.

However, the loss of social interest is often temporary in people with Rett syndrome. With RTT, it is possible to regain one’s social interests over time. Those affected commonly learn to use eye gestures for nonverbal communication.

Another similarity to be acknowledged is that multiple therapies- including speech therapy, physiotherapy, art therapy, and social skills groups- are effective for children who have either RTT or ASD. In fact, all of these therapies may be considered by way of autism therapy in Dubai

Health and Mortality

For optimum autism treatment and support, we’ve come across researches that deduce the life expectancy of an autistic child is the same as the overall population. In the case of those with diagnoses of RTT, though, barely any information has been acquired regarding the mortality rate. This is because of a lack of relevant historical data. The stats that we do have depict that those with Rett syndrome have a 50% chance of living up to the age of fifty years old. This may be due to the fact that the lifespan of individuals with RTT  is limited because of respiratory complications.

Moreover, there is concern for patients with either diagnosis possibly experiencing anxiety and depression- impacting their overall health and even increasing the chance of suicide. Another problem one faces with Rett syndrome is that children experience more progressive muscle wasting, decreased mobility, balance problems, seizures and breath-holding episodes that affect them negatively. Alternatively, such harm is not anticipated for children with ASD.

A Sign of Hope

It’s never easy for a parent to hear or be prepared for the news that something is developmentally wrong with their child, or that their child is not physically well. The diagnosis is a heavy blow to bear and one that might make a parent feel angry, scared and helpless. All need to take time to come to terms with the fact that they will always love their child, regardless of the circumstances. The next step for them is to figure out how to help their child live the best possible life they can.

It is crucial that parents do not give up, and work to help their children. One must acquire apt medical and therapeutic assistance, such as by contacting ABA therapy centres in Dubai, UAE, to help the autistic child and to train the family to do all they can to encourage their child to grow to the best of their ability.

Need for Further Research

As genetic research is further explored, it is possible that new discoveries will come up possibly redefining diagnoses of autism as this disorder also has an underlying genetic marker. Until that time, the differences between autism and Rett syndrome still stand, maintaining them as separate medical issues whose similarities may help increase our understanding and birth more effective treatments for both.

Call Now