A Touch of Hands Cookbook

Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that to date has occurred only in girls. Development appears normal up to about six to eighteen months of age. The child with Rett syndrome typically sits independently and finger feeds at the expected time. Some children start the use of single words and word combinations. Many children begin independent walking within the normal range, while others show significant delay or inability to walk independently. A period of stagnation or regression follows, during which the child loses purposeful use of the hands, replacing it with repetitive hand movements. Intellectual development appears to be severely delayed, but true intelligence is difficult to measure. Other symptoms include seizures, scoliosis and difficulty gaining weight. Many children are misdiagnosed with autism or cerebral palsy.

International Rett Syndrome Association

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (formerly the International Rett Syndrome Association) is a non profit group devoted to supporting and encouraging medical research to determine the cause and find a cure for Rett syndrome, to increase the public awareness of Rett syndrome, and to provide informational and emotional support to families of children with Rett syndrome. IRSF provides a case registry, quarterly newsletters, annual conferences, research collaboration and seed grants, patient referral and educational materials.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Printing generously donated by Baker Hill Corporation, Carmel, Indiana.

Thanks to the many kind people who supported this project by donating their recipes and by purchasing this cookbook.

Cookbook edited by Donna Alexander and Debbie Schilling.

This cookbook is dedicated to Karen, Claire and all of our beautiful girls worldwide.

EDITOR'S NOTE

I originally created this cookbook in 1995 as a fundraiser for the International Rett Syndrome Association (now the International Rett Syndrome Foundation). All 350 copies sold in three months, raising $2000.00 for Rett Syndrome support and research. In 1996, I published this on the Web in order to help raise awareness for Rett Syndrome. I hope you'll take a moment to learn a little bit about Rett Syndrome while you're looking through the collection of recipes from friends and families around the country. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to hearing from you.

Debbie Schilling

Cookbook: [Main] [Brunch] [Appetizers and Dips] [Bread] [Soups] [Salads] [Side Dishes] [Main Dishes] [Cookies and Bars] [Desserts]

Rett Syndrome: [Main] [Contact Us] [RS Site Index] [Calorie Boosters] [Claire's Story] [Cookbook] [Letter] [Links] [Support] [Search] [Tips]

A Touch of Hands Cookbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT RETT SYNDROME

International Rett Syndrome Association

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

EDITOR'S NOTE