Hand function abnormalities are one of the obvious manifestations of Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome is accompanied by hand disuse and abnormal movement, and the child gradually loses the use of the hands in a purposeful manner.
However, the presence of hand eating in infants does not mean that the child has Rett syndrome. It may be a normal behavior in infancy and early childhood, and parents should observe the infant for other changes, such as regression of speech and slow growth of head circumference.