Music therapy for children with Rett syndrome.

Access to a handicapped child with Rett syndrome may be attempted through its eyes and by means of music. The receptivity for rhythm and melodies must be located within a primitive region of the hierarchical structure of the brain because even severely retarded children do respond to music. If purposefully applied with several instruments music therapy can bring about at least a temporary cessation of the stereotypic movements in children with Rett syndrome. Many years of experience attest to the feasibility of this approach.