Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Toe Walking - A Common Issue In Autism

Toe walking is a common problem with children on the autism-spectrum. It is debated as to what are the causes of this behavior. In some kids, the problem is so severe they under going surgery to shorten their ankle tendons, while others are put into braces forcing their feet to the ground. Here are a few things to consider with toe-walking.

Fairly common in kids less than 3 years of age.

Kids older than 3 years of age - generally associated with neurological immaturity.

Commonly associated with vestibular imbalances that cause body position orientation issues.

Biomedical Interventions: Chronic Constipation - constipation can put pressure on the lower bowel and a child will lift up on their toes to relieve the pressure. Also, yeast overgrowth and food sensitivities such as food colorings/flavorings can contribute to toe-walking.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

This can be due to a faulty visual perceptual system. In which case, with appropriately prescribed Yoked Prism glasses, the toe walking will disappear! Read "Seeing through New Eyes; Changing the Lives of Children with Autism, Asperger Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities through Vision Therapy" by Dr Melvin Kaplan.