Tiptoeing and autism are intricately linked, as some children with autism display a walking pattern characterized by walking on their tiptoes, which may lead to muscle issues and social rejection from their peers.
In many cases, walking on tiptoes is one of the most noticeable behaviors in children with ASD and one of the most evident warning signs of autism.
When we talk about walking on tiptoes, we refer to children who walk on their toes, without putting the rest of their foot on the ground.
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Although we still do not have a definite explanation for this alteration in the walking pattern of some children with autism, we have identified possible causes that can explain it.
Regarding treatment, we have also identified several strategies on how to work on correcting this walking pattern.
Before we continue, we believe it’s important to note that autism can present itself in different levels of severity and in very diverse ways, so symptoms can vary significantly in each case.
🦶 Does toe-walking in a child mean they have autism?
Toe-walking does not necessarily mean that a child has autism.
Many children without any neurodevelopmental disorders walk on their toes when they start walking, and most of them stop doing it as they grow.
If we observe that a young child is walking on their toes and there are other behaviors of concern in the areas of play, communication, or social interaction, it would be advisable to visit a pediatrician and carry out a more specific exploration of autism using instruments such as ADOS-2 or ADI-R.
🤔 Why do some children with autism walk on their toes?
There is no clear explanation as to why some children with autism walk on their toes, and there probably isn’t just one explanation.
Therefore, the reason why a child with autism walks on their toes may not be the same as that of another.
The following are some possible causes that may explain why some children with autism walk on their toes:
- Hipersensitivity to tactile stimuli in the feet
- Physical foot morphology
- A bad habit
- Self-stimulation
- Stress or anxiety
Hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli in the feet
It is well known that many people with autism have sensory alterations.
Sensory alterations are peculiar ways of processing sensory information, and sometimes tactile sensations can be uncomfortable for people with autism.
Therefore, it is possible that some children with autism may be bothered by the sensation of their feet when walking, and walking on their toes reduces contact with the ground, thus reducing discomfort.
Physical foot morphology
Autism is a very complex disorder, and in some cases, there may be alterations beyond communication, social interaction, and cognitive rigidity.
Some children with autism may also have physical alterations, and therefore, it could be that there is a malformation in the feet and that is why the child walks on their toes.
As explained in the section “Strategies for correcting toe-walking”, it is important to carry out a physical evaluation of the child’s feet, legs, hips, and back.
A bad habit
Many children who are just learning to walk do so on their toes, and most of them correct it after a short time.
It is possible that in the case of some children with autism who start walking on their toes, they continue doing so if it is not corrected.
Many children with autism present cognitive rigidity, and when they learn to do something in a certain way, they continue doing it that same way.
It is possible that some children with autism who start walking on their toes simply do so because they have learned it that way and do not correct it on their own.
Self-stimulation
Some children with autism seek sensory stimulation in peculiar ways, and walking on their toes may give them pleasure.
Therefore, in some cases, it is possible that they enjoy walking like that and do it for that reason.
In these cases, maintaining balance while walking on their toes may be fun or self-stimulating.
Stress or anxiety
Many people with autism experience high levels of anxiety, and in fact, anxiety is much more common in people with autism than in neurotypical people.
Having anxiety causes a person to contract their muscles and have a more rigid body, and it is possible that this can lead to a more rigid and toe-walking gait.
⚡ TIPTOE AND AUTISM: Strategies for correcting tiptoe walking
First of all, it is important to note that in most cases, tiptoe walking disappears on its own.
However, if you notice that a child with autism is tiptoe walking, we recommend applying the following strategies.
The strategies to be used will depend on whether the child tiptoe walks due to physical problems or for other reasons.
If there is a physical problem
It is important to know if the child tiptoe walks due to physical problems or due to other factors.
To determine if it is due to physical problems, we recommend visiting a pediatrician to perform a physical examination of their feet, legs, and back.
In the case of physical problems, specific physiotherapy work will be necessary to correct tiptoe walking.
If there are no physical problems
If there is no physical problem that explains tiptoe walking, we must try to find out the reason why the child does it.
But whatever the reason, we present a series of strategies below that may be useful to redirect this behavior.
Do not force them to walk normally
Forcing them to walk normally is not the solution. We can encourage them to walk properly, with their entire foot on the ground, but without forcing them.
It is important to explain to them that they need to walk properly, that tiptoe walking can hurt them. But forcing them to do it under punishment is not the solution.
Talk to an autism professional
If it has been ruled out that it is a physical problem, it is advisable to talk to an autism professional.
This professional can assess whether there are difficulties in sensory processing in the feet or other reasons that explain tiptoe walking.
Once evaluated, they can give more specific and individualized guidelines and recommendations.
Try different shoes and socks
Sometimes, certain shoes or socks may bother children with autism due to possible sensory alterations.
This can also happen with other clothing items such as shirts, pants, or underwear.
To determine if the problem lies in a particular piece of footwear, it is a good idea to try different ones and see if the child walks correctly with any of them.
Massage their feet
If there are difficulties in sensory processing in the feet, doing something as simple as massaging their feet can help tolerate sensory stimuli more easily.
Through these massages, you can work on tolerance to sensory stimulation in the feet, and in the medium term, you can get the child to walk more correctly.
💥 Consequences of tiptoe walking
Tiptoe walking can have negative and dangerous consequences for the child.
That is why it is important to consider the strategies mentioned in the previous section or to contact a specialist if necessary.
Some of the negative and dangerous consequences of tiptoe walking are:
- The child may fall, trip, or injure themselves while tiptoe walking.
- They may experience overloads in the ligaments and muscles of the ankles, knees, hips, and back.
- They may experience body and bone pain.
- Experience social rejection or bullying for the peculiarity of tiptoe walking.
🔵 CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the connection between tiptoeing and autism is a multifaceted one, with various potential explanations for this unique walking pattern among autistic children.
While tiptoeing can serve as a form of self-regulation, exploration, or sensory coping mechanism, it is essential to note that it is not an exclusive marker of autism.
Understanding the underlying reasons behind tiptoeing in individual cases is crucial, as it can vary from hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli to physical foot morphology or even self-stimulation.
Each child’s situation is unique, and a tailored approach is necessary.
Strategies for addressing tiptoe walking should be based on a careful assessment, considering whether physical problems contribute to the behavior or if it stems from sensory or habitual factors.
Approaches should prioritize gentle encouragement, consultation with autism professionals, trying different footwear, and implementing sensory-focused interventions like foot massages.
It is vital to recognize the potential consequences of tiptoe walking, including the risk of injury, muscular strain, pain, and social challenges.
By implementing appropriate strategies and seeking professional guidance when needed, we can provide effective support to children with autism who exhibit tiptoeing behavior, ultimately promoting their well-being and development.
❓ FAQS about TIPTOEING AND AUTISM
How do I know if my child has autism?
To determine if a child has autism, a specialist needs to administer tests such as ADOS-2 or ADI-R. But you can also take an online autism test to evaluate the risk of having ASD.
Why does a child with autism tiptoe walk?
The reasons why a child with autism tiptoe walks can be several, including physical malformations, sensory alterations, or self-stimulation.
