Is Toe Walking A Symptom Of Autism? What You Need To Know

 Toddlers and young children may sometimes walk on their toes or the balls of their feet as they get used to walking. This is normal and parents do not need to worry about it. However, regular toe walking in children aged five years or older is usually a sign of neurological immaturity and may signal the presence of Autism. Since it can lead to an increased risk of falling down and also act as a social stigma, you must take steps to correct your child’s toe walking as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to know about the link between toe walking and autism.

Understanding Autism

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. Most diagnoses of Autism are made when the child is between eighteen months and three years of age and has demonstrated significant developmental delays. Children with Autism tend to find it harder to communicate effectively and are often unable to adjust to social environments. They are also highly sensitive to external stimuli and may demonstrate extreme discomfort or use self-soothing behaviours if they experience sensory overload. 

Is there a link between toe walking and Autism?

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Child Neurology, young children who walk on their toes are likelier to have Autism than any other kind of developmental delay. While conducting research, it was noticed that children with Autism usually displayed some kind of gait problem. And the most common one was toe walking for more than three months after learning to walk, as well as tightened heel cords. 

One possible reason for toe walking is that it avoids the overstimulation that many children with Autism may feel when they use the entire length of their feet to walk. It could also be related to vision or balance-related problems. Research suggests that children who persistently walk on their toes should be tested for Autism, and also that children with Autism should get a check-up to identify any gait problems. However, it is essential to remember that toe walking by itself is not a sign of Autism. 

Diagnosing Autism from toe walking

If your child is persistently walking on their toes at two years of age or older, it is best to consult a doctor to test for Autism and start the best Autism treatment as soon as possible. Screening for developmental delays and social or communicative impairments will help get a definitive diagnosis. Your doctor may also check up on factors including a history of toe walking in the family, if they toe walk on both feet or one, if they can walk heel to toe when asked, and if they have other symptoms like pain or weakness in the legs. This will help rule out other underlying causes for the toe walking, such as muscular dystrophy or spinal cord abnormalities. 

Treatment

While there is no cure for Autism, a variety of therapies can help children develop the social, communicative, and behavioral skills they need to thrive in different situations. In addition to medication, the best Autism treatment will consist of a combination of Stem Cell Therapy, Speech Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Behavior Retraining Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Social Skills Training. 

Treatment for toe walking may include the application of a cast to stretch out the tendon or surgery in more extreme cases. Certain exercises may also help children get accustomed to walking from heel to toe, including

• Wall stretches with both feet facing forward

• Long sit stretch with a towel while pushing knees flat into the floor

• Heel drop stretch on a step or curb

• Squats during playtime

• Yoga poses like the downward dog stretch

• Scooter races where the child uses their heels to propel themselves forward

• Incorporating heel walking into the child’s daily routine or playtime

Toe walking can be harmless if your child only does it occasionally, but persistent toe walking can affect their mobility and increase their risk of falling. Through a combination of therapy, exercises, and additional aids, you can help your child with Autism grow out of the toe walking habit and feel confident moving about as other children do.