Walking on their tippy toes, or toe walking, is a common behaviour among children with autism. It is estimated that up to 50% of children with autism may exhibit this behaviour.

It is so common that we listed it as one of our top 10 signs of autism in children.

With that said, it is important to note that not all children with autism will walk on their toes, and not all children who walk on their toes have autism.

Why do autistic children walk on their tippy toes?

There is no known single cause of tippy toes walking in children with autism. Some researchers believe that it may be related to sensory processing issues, as some children with autism may find the sensation of walking on their toes to be more pleasurable than walking with their heels on the ground.

Others have suggested that it may be a form of self-stimulatory behaviour, as children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviours as a way to regulate their sensory experiences.

Toe walking may also be a result of muscle weakness or tightness in the legs and feet. Some children with autism may have low muscle tone, which can affect their gait and cause them to walk on their toes. Others may have tightness in the calf muscles, which can also contribute to toe walking.

Should parents do anything about it?

If a child with autism is exhibiting toe walking behaviour, you could choose to have them evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment may include physical therapy to improve muscle strength and flexibility, as well as occupational therapy to address any sensory processing issues that may be contributing to the behaviour. In some cases, children may also benefit from using orthotic devices, such as ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), to help them walk with a more typical gait.

It is worthy of note however that most children will simply grow out of walking on their tippy toes with this behaviour passing without intervention.

In summary toe walking is a common behaviour among children with autism, but the exact cause is not always clear. It may likely be related to sensory processing issues or self-stimulatory behaviour.

Feel free to browse our site for more tips and help with raising an autistic child.  Alternatively you can go to either the UK’s National Autistic Society or the US Autism Association.