Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for rescuing synaptic defects caused by abnormal MeCP2 expression in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount(s) of a nootropic agent and/or an alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (?7-nAChR) agonist. The disclosure further provides methods for screening candidate drug candidates in a tiered series of assays and models (neurons, MECP2-mosaic neurospheres, and cortical organoids).