Imagine the symptoms of autism, cerebral palsy, parkinsons, epilepsy, and anxiety disorder all in one little girl.

Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that almost exclusively affects girls. It strikes randomly, typically at the age of 12 to 18 months, and is caused by random mutations of the MECP2 gene on one of the X chromosomes.

Rett Syndrome deprives young children of speech, hand use, normal movement often including the ability to walk. As the children enter childhood the disorder brings anxiety, seizures, tremors, breathing difficulties, severe gastrointestinal issues. While their bodies suffer, it is believed that their cognitive abilities remain largely intact. Although most children survive to adulthood, they require total round-the-clock care.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust’s 3-Year Strategic Plan to a Find Cure