News & Updates

Rett syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects girls almost exclusively. Like Alyssa, most girls with Rett syndrome seem to develop typically for the first 6 months to 18 months, but then lose skills such as speaking, crawling or walking, and using their hands. Eventually, most need help with every activity of daily life. Estimates suggest that Rett syndrome occurs in one out of every 10,000 to 15,000 girls born in the United States.

As part of the National Robotics Initiative (NRI), the National Institutes of Health announced that it will fund the development of three innovative co-robots—robots that work cooperatively with people.

Recent advances in prosthetic materials, technology, and design have improved choices for injured veterans and many others who have had a limb amputated as a result of a congenital condition, injury, or disease.

Rehabilitation medicine includes efforts to improve function and minimize impairment due to illnesses or injuries. Learn more about NICHD’s rehabilitation research.