Communication abilities in a case of Rett syndrome.

The communication skills in a 4-year-old girl with Rett syndrome (RS) prior to, during and after the characteristic regression period are presented. The case study serves to provide a detailed description of the typical communication skills seen in this population, even though this child must be considered an atypical case of RS. The case study emphasizes the need for the assessment and treatment of communication skills in cases with RS to focus on the intentionality and functionality of the child's communication.