Cognitive profile of Rett syndrome.

We report preliminary studies in 18 girls with Rett syndrome (15 typical, three atypical cases) who were studied using a number of neuropsychologic measures. Results indicate a relative preservation of gross motor and daily living skills at the developmental level of the age of onset of the condition. Other adaptive functions were more depressed. Higher levels of object permanency were found in this population than reported previously. Our results indicate that islands of motor and intellectual function persist in Rett syndrome patients. These data may be useful for therapeutic intervention.