Walking on toes is something that many children walk for a short time. But if your child is walking on his toes even after three years of age, it can be a sign of autism – possibly some more serious.

Development Pediatrician Dr. at Ramaiya Memorial Hospital. Prarthana Karumbaiya said, “When the toe of toe runs without putting its heel on the ground. While it can be common in early development, if it continues beyond the age of three, the parents should not ignore it.”

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevaltate condition that affects how a person communicates with others, learns and interacts.

People suffering from autism may have trouble with social skills, prefer routines, and show unusual behavior. This can vary from light to severe, and early support can help improve life skills.

Why toe can indicate autism by walking on foot

Studies show that 20% to 45% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are seen to have toe running, which is compared to about 4.5% in commonly developed children.

Dr. According to Karumbiah, one of the main reasons behind this behavior is how children with autism process sensor input. He said, “Some children may find a feeling of heels touching the unpleasant land. Others can simply prefer the sensation of walking on their toes. It is often associated with hypocensity for either hypothesis or touching and movement,” he explained.

Another factor is balance. Children suffering from autism may have an underdeveloped vestibular system, which helps the body understand space and balance. He said, “Balance and poor control over the posture can also lead to constant toe.”

If not addressed early, walking toe can cause tightness to the Akilis tendon, which can cause problems such as muscle imbalance and flat feet, joint pain and poor coordination. Dr. Karumbiah said, “It can delay other motor skills such as running, jumping and even the basic movements involved in daily activities,” Dr. Karumbia said.

How to treat toe in autism

Experts recommend initial medical and an individual approach depending on the needs of the child. For those children who walk to toe due to sensory issues, walking on the surfaces with texture and engaging in sensory game can help them feel more comfortable to place their heels on the ground.

“Physical therapy plays an important role in helping the calf and reinforcement of the muscles of Akilis. These exercises support a heel-to-foot pattern and improve overall coordination,” Dr. Karumbaiya explained.

In more severe cases, doctors may recommend special braces or casts to gently correct the moving patterns.

Toe in children suffering from autism is a complex issue, but with early detection and proper therapy, it can be corrected. Dr. Karumbia said, “The sooner we intervene, the better results in terms of dynamics, freedom and quality of life.”

If your child is still running at the age of three, consult a pediatrician or developmental specialist for evaluation.