Alternative medicine

A few examples of complementary therapies that have been tried in children with Rett syndrome include:

• Music therapy
• Massage therapy
• Hydrotherapy, which involves swimming or moving in water
• Animal-assisted therapy, such as therapeutic horseback riding

Although there's not much evidence that these approaches are effective, they may offer opportunities for increased movement and social and recreational enrichment.

If you think alternative or complementary therapies might help your child, talk to your doctor or therapist about the possible benefits and risks, and how the approach might fit into the medical treatment plan.