# How Does Rett Syndrome Change as a Child Grows Older? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-rett-syndrome-change-as-a-child-grows-older Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Rett syndrome usually moves through stages: fairly typical early development, a time-limited regression with characteristic hand movements and skill loss, then a long plateau where many girls become more alert and communicative. Movement and posture need ongoing support; seizures or breathing changes need prompt medical review. A clinical AbilityScore and diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle centre. *Rett syndrome unfolds in chapters — and knowing what each chapter brings helps your family meet it with calm, confidence and the right support at the right time.* ## In short Rett syndrome typically follows recognisable **stages** rather than a single fixed picture. Most often a little girl develops fairly typically for the first 6–18 months, then enters a period of slowing and some loss of acquired hand and communication skills, followed by a long, more **stable plateau** where many children become more alert, connected and engaged — and learn new ways to communicate. Movement and posture often need ongoing support as she grows. Every child's path differs, and steady, well-aimed therapy can meaningfully shape how she lives each stage. ## How it tends to change with age Clinicians often describe Rett syndrome in broad phases — useful as a map, not a timetable: - **Early months (often 6–18 months):** development may look on track, though some children are quieter or slower to reach motor milestones. - **A regression period (often 1–4 years):** purposeful hand use can fade, and characteristic **hand movements** (wringing, mouthing, clapping) appear. Spoken words and social engagement may dip for a time. This stage can be distressing — and it is not the whole story. - **A plateau (often pre-school into school years and beyond):** many girls become noticeably more **settled, attentive and communicative**, often using eyes, gaze technology and gestures beautifully. Seizures and breathing irregularities may emerge and are managed medically. - **Later childhood and beyond:** mobility, scoliosis and posture commonly need ongoing physiotherapy and orthopaedic care, while communication and connection often keep growing. The heartening truth families discover is that the **regression phase is usually time-limited**, and the years that follow are frequently a time of warmth, presence and new learning — especially with consistent support. ## When to seek help promptly Because Rett involves possible seizures and breathing changes, any new staring spells, jerks or marked breathing irregularity warrant **prompt medical (paediatric/neurology) review**, not therapy alone. Equally, any loss of hand skills or words in a young child should be assessed without delay. ## The Pinnacle way AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an article or app. Our teams support girls with [Rett syndrome](/rett) across every stage, pairing communication-building [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) with movement and posture care, and tracking real progress through the [clinician-administered AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated). ## Trusted sources WHO ICD-11 on Rett syndrome and developmental conditions; AAP/HealthyChildren guidance on developmental monitoring; ASHA resources on alternative and augmentative communication. **Next step —** Want a clear picture of where your daughter stands today and a stage-aware plan? [Book a Pinnacle assessment](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/enroll-autism-speech-aba-therapies-india). This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - WHO ICD-11 — Rett syndrome classification: https://icd.who.int - AAP HealthyChildren — developmental monitoring: https://www.healthychildren.org - ASHA — augmentative and alternative communication: https://www.asha.org ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Adaptive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/adaptive - Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Special Education: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/special-education - Self Sufficiency: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/self_sufficiency ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - How Rett Syndrome Affects a Child's Daily Life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-rett-syndrome-affect-a-child-s-daily-life ### Explore causes & influences - How Rett Syndrome Affects Motor Development: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-rett-syndrome-affect-a-child-s-motor-development - How Rett Syndrome affects a child's cognitive development: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-rett-syndrome-affect-a-child-s-cognitive-development ### Explore therapy & support - Does Rett Syndrome Get Better or Worse?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-rett-syndrome-get-better-or-worse-as-a-child-grows - What to expect as your child with Rett syndrome grows up: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-can-i-expect-as-my-child-with-rett-syndrome-grows-up - What is the long-term outlook for a child with Rett Syndrome?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-long-term-outlook-for-a-child-with-rett-syndrome - Rett Syndrome and Adult Independence: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/will-a-child-with-rett-syndrome-be-able-to-live-independently-as-an-adult