The therapist's role in the management of girls with Rett syndrome.

Guidelines for providing therapy intervention for persons with Rett syndrome are presented according to the four stages of the disease. In describing various aspects of Rett syndrome the differences between Rett syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism are discussed. The role of the therapist in maintaining functional skills is emphasized. The changing nature of the therapist's involvement in relation to the progression of the disease is briefly addressed.