The NICHD funds and conducts research on disorders that primarily or only affect females. One example of such a disorder is Rett syndrome.

Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a neurological and developmental disorder that mostly occurs in females. Infants with Rett syndrome seem to grow and develop normally at first, but then stop developing and even lose skills and abilities.

Most cases of Rett syndrome are caused by a mutation on the MECP2 gene, which is found on the X chromosome. NICHD-supported researchers discovered that gene as the cause of most cases of Rett syndrome in 1999.

For more information about Rett syndrome, including symptoms and support organizations, please visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Rett_Syndrome.cfm. The NICHD's publications, Rett Syndrome and El Síndrome de Rett (Spanish), also provide more detailed information about this condition.