Early Signs of Rett Syndrome at 18–24 Months

Your little girl was meeting her milestones beautifully — and then something seems to have shifted. That instinct to look closer deserves gentle, careful attention.

In short

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that most often affects girls. Its hallmark early sign between 18 and 24 months is a regression — a loss of skills your daughter had already gained, such as purposeful use of her hands or spoken words — often alongside the appearance of repetitive hand movements like wringing, washing or mouthing. If your daughter was developing typically and now seems to be slipping backwards, this is a reason to seek a prompt developmental and medical check — not a reason to panic, and never something to diagnose at home.

Early signs to watch (18–24 months)

Rett Syndrome typically follows a period of seemingly normal early development, then shows changes such as:

Loss of purposeful hand skills

• Hands that once pointed, grasped toys or held a spoon begin to lose that purposeful use
• The appearance of repetitive, almost continuous hand movements when awake — wringing, washing-like rubbing, clapping, tapping or bringing hands to the mouth

Loss of spoken language or babble

• Words or sounds she had begun to use seem to fade away

Changes in movement and coordination

• New unsteadiness when walking, or a wide, stiff or toe-walking gait
• Some children slow down or lose the ability to walk they had recently gained

Slowing head growth

• Head circumference, once typical, may begin to grow more slowly than expected

Social and engagement shifts

• Reduced eye contact or social interest for a period (often this returns later, with eye gaze becoming a key way she connects)

What distinguishes Rett from ordinary variation is regression — losing skills already mastered — together with the distinctive hand stereotypies. This combination warrants timely professional review.

When to seek a check — promptly

Loss of previously acquired skills at any age is always a reason for a prompt medical and developmental evaluation. Because Rett Syndrome has a genetic basis (most often linked to the MECP2 gene), diagnosis involves a clinician's assessment and genetic testing, not therapy alone. Early review means earlier understanding, earlier support, and screening for things like breathing irregularities or seizures that sometimes accompany it. Please do reach out soon rather than waiting to see if skills return on their own.

The Pinnacle way

At Pinnacle Blooms Network, we walk beside families facing regression with steadiness and warmth — never deficit, always your daughter's strengths first. Supportive therapies such as occupational therapy help nurture hand use, communication and daily participation, working alongside your medical team. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care; nothing here is a diagnosis. Across 70+ centres in 4 states and 4.95 lakh+ families served, our aim is to help every child thrive at her own pace.

Trusted sources

Aligned with the WHO ICD-11 classification of Rett Syndrome (LD90.0), and developmental and child-health guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org on monitoring milestones and recognising developmental regression.

Next step — if your daughter has lost skills she once had, please book a prompt developmental and medical check with our clinical team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181, and let's understand what she needs, together.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.