In October, researchers identified the precise genetic defect in a disorder, Rett's syndrome, that was once commonly misdiagnosed as autism.

She herself is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Rett's Syndrome, a neurological disorder that renders her mute and causes her to use a wheelchair.

Rett's syndrome : Children with this very rare disorder have the symptoms associated with a PDD and also suffer problems with physical development.

Asperger's syndrome pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) autistic disorder Rett's syndrome childhood disintegrative disorder The mildest form of autism, Asperger's syndrome affects boys three times more often than girls.