Rett Syndrome
When to Worry About Rett Syndrome at 18–24 Months
Rett Syndrome is rare and shows itself mainly through regression — a toddler losing skills she once had, especially purposeful hand use, often between 12 and 30 months. At 18–24 months, seek prompt paediatric and developmental review if your child has lost hand skills, shows repetitive hand-wringing or washing movements, has slowing head growth, or has lost words or social connection. These are reasons to assess promptly, not a diagnosis — early review means earlier support.
If you've noticed your toddler losing skills they once had, your watchfulness matters — and getting answers early is one of the most loving steps you can take.
In short
The single most important sign of Rett Syndrome is regression — a child who was developing typically begins to lose skills she had already gained, especially purposeful use of her hands and sometimes spoken words, often between 12 and 30 months. If your 18-to-24-month-old has lost hand skills she once had, or shows repetitive hand-wringing, hand-washing or mouthing movements, slowing head growth, or loss of words or social engagement, arrange a developmental and paediatric review now. This is a reason to assess promptly — not a diagnosis — and earlier review means earlier support.What to watch at 18–24 months
Rett Syndrome most often shows itself through a change from what your child could do before. Gentle but important things worth a clinician's eye:- Loss of hand skills — she stops using her hands to reach, hold or play in the purposeful way she used to.
- Repetitive hand movements — wringing, squeezing, washing-like motions, clapping or bringing hands to the mouth, especially when awake.
- Slowing head growth — a head that was growing on track begins to fall away from its earlier curve.
- Loss of language or social connection — words or babble fading, less eye contact or shared smiling than before.
- Movement changes — unsteady, wide-based walking, stiffness, or trouble with balance she didn't have earlier.
- Any clear regression — losing words, gestures or motor skills she clearly had. This always deserves prompt review.
Rett Syndrome is rare and affects girls far more often than boys. Many other, more common reasons can explain a single delay — so noticing one item is not a verdict. What truly matters is the pattern of losing skills, which deserves a medical and developmental assessment without delay.
When to act
Because Rett Syndrome involves regression and slowing head growth, it warrants prompt paediatric and developmental review — not a wait-and-see approach. If you have seen your child lose hand use, words or social skills, or you notice repetitive hand movements, book a review now. Trust your instinct; a parent who senses a change is giving clinicians vital information.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. Our clinicians build a careful developmental baseline, listen closely to the history of any skills lost, and coordinate with your paediatrician on next steps. You can learn more about Rett Syndrome and how our occupational therapy team supports hand use, daily skills and engagement through warm, play-based work.Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 classifies Rett Syndrome (LD90.0); the American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) and CDC describe developmental regression — losing skills once gained — as a sign that always warrants prompt evaluation; CDC "Learn the Signs, Act Early" milestone guidance supports early developmental review.Next step — Trust what you've noticed. Book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician so any change in your child's skills is reviewed promptly, with clarity and care.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Loss of purposeful hand use she once had; repetitive hand-wringing, washing-like or mouthing movements; slowing head growth; loss of words, babble or social engagement; unsteady or stiff walking; and any clear regression of skills she previously had. Any pattern of losing skills warrants prompt paediatric and developmental review.
Try this at home
Keep a short weekly note of how your child uses her hands in play, the words she says, and how she connects with you. If you notice something she used to do dropping away, write the date — this simple record helps a clinician see the pattern clearly.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Is Rett Syndrome common in toddlers?
No — it is rare and affects girls far more often than boys. A single delay is far more likely to have a common, more reassuring explanation. What matters most is a pattern of losing skills your child once had, which deserves prompt review.
What is the earliest sign parents usually notice?
Most often it is regression — a child who was developing typically begins to lose purposeful hand use, and sometimes words or social connection, often between 12 and 30 months, alongside repetitive hand movements.
Should I wait and see, or get a check now?
Because Rett Syndrome involves regression and slowing head growth, any loss of skills warrants prompt paediatric and developmental review rather than a wait-and-see approach. Earlier review means earlier support.
Will an online checklist tell me if my child has Rett Syndrome?
No. Online lists can guide what to observe, but a diagnosis is only made by qualified clinicians through careful history, examination and assessment at a centre — never from a list.