# ADHD vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited ADHD and Rett syndrome both affect young children's behaviour but are fundamentally different. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference in attention, impulsivity and activity, where a child keeps and builds skills over time. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic condition (almost always in girls) where a child develops normally then loses skills — especially hand use and words — with characteristic repetitive hand movements. ADHD never takes skills away; Rett syndrome involves regression, needs prompt medical and genetic assessment, while ADHD is identified through behavioural observation as a child grows. *Both can affect a young child's attention and behaviour — but one is a difference in focus and energy, and the other is a rare genetic condition that changes how a child grows.* ## In short **ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)** and **Rett syndrome** are very different. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference in attention, impulse control and activity level — a bright, busy child who finds it hard to sit still or focus, but who keeps and builds their skills over time. **Rett syndrome** is a rare genetic condition (almost always in girls) where a child develops typically for a while, then *loses* skills she once had — especially purposeful hand use and spoken words — often with characteristic repetitive hand movements. The clearest signpost: ADHD does not take skills away; Rett syndrome involves a noticeable *regression*. ## How they differ in everyday life With **ADHD**, you may see a child who is constantly on the move, blurts out answers, struggles to wait or finish tasks, and is easily distracted — yet is learning, talking, playing and growing across all areas. The challenge is *regulation* of attention and energy, not loss of ability. With **Rett syndrome**, the early picture is usually a baby who seemed to be developing well. Then, typically between 6 and 18 months, there is a slowing or loss of skills: a little girl who used to babble or use her hands may stop, and begin showing repetitive hand movements such as wringing, washing or mouthing. Head growth may slow, and walking and coordination can be affected. It is caused by a change in a single gene (most often *MECP2*) and is confirmed by genetic testing — it is not something a child grows out of or develops from parenting. Because Rett syndrome involves regression and physical changes, it needs **prompt medical and genetic assessment**, whereas ADHD is identified through careful behavioural observation over time, usually once a child is a little older. ## When to seek help Any *loss* of skills your child once had — hand use, words, social smiles — is a reason to see a paediatrician promptly, not to wait and watch. For a young, energetic child who is learning well but very active and distractible, share your observations at a routine developmental check; attention patterns become clearer with age. ## The Pinnacle way This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our clinicians look closely at how your child attends, moves, communicates and uses her hands, and coordinate medical referral where a genetic condition is suspected — drawing on [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) and tailored support. Learn more about [ADHD](/adhd) and our wider [services](/). ## Trusted sources The World Health Organization's ICD-11 framework for neurodevelopmental conditions; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren guidance on attention concerns and developmental monitoring; CDC information on developmental milestones and acting early on any loss of skills. **Next step —** If your child has lost any skill she once had, see a paediatrician promptly; for attention and activity concerns, book a developmental screening and let a clinician guide you. ## Sources - WHO ICD-11: neurodevelopmental conditions framework: https://icd.who.int/ - AAP HealthyChildren: attention and developmental concerns: https://www.healthychildren.org/ - CDC: developmental milestones and acting early: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Cognitive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/cognitive - Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - Autism Spectrum vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-autism-spectrum-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - Intellectual Disability vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-intellectual-disability-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - Attachment Difficulties vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-attachment-difficulties-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - Genetic / Chromosomal Syndromes vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-genetic-chromosomal-syndromes-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - Down Syndrome vs Rett Syndrome in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-down-syndrome-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - Self-Regulation Difficulties vs Rett Syndrome: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-self-regulation-difficulties-and-rett-syndrome-in-young-children - ADHD vs Attachment Difficulties in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-attachment-difficulties-in-young-children - ADHD vs Auditory Processing Difficulties in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-auditory-processing-difficulties-in-young-children - What is the difference between ADHD and Autism Spectrum in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-autism-spectrum-in-young-children - ADHD vs Cerebral Palsy in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-cerebral-palsy-in-young-children - What is the difference between ADHD and Childhood Anxiety in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-childhood-anxiety-in-young-children - ADHD vs Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-adhd-and-childhood-apraxia-of-speech-in-young-children