There are many common quirks and behaviours associated with autism, but how do you stop tip toe walking? This article explores your options.

Should you stop it?

With nearly all repetitive behaviours associated with autism it is always worth considering if you should stop the behaviour.

Some stimulative activities can be calming and pleasant for the child and ultimately may be replaced by more disruptive behaviour.

While walking on Tip Toes occasionally is not harmful in itself, but it can lead to problems with balance, coordination, and socialisation.

It can also lead to physical problems such as pain or contractures.

Here are some strategies for helping a child with autism stop tip toe walking:

Consult with a healthcare professional

Before starting any treatment or intervention, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. This may be a pediatrician or a physical therapist.

They can assess the child’s physical health and provide guidance on appropriate interventions.

In some rare cases, a brace or orthotics may be recommended to help support the child’s feet and ankles and prevent tip toe walking.

These devices can be custom made to fit the child’s individual needs and provide additional support and stability.

Use visual assistance

Many children with autism respond well to visual cues. You can create a visual schedule or use pictures or videos to show the child how to walk with their entire foot on the ground.

You can also use visual cues to remind the child to walk properly, such as placing stickers or pictures of feet on the ground.

Provide sensory alternative

It is likely that your child is walking on their tip toes because it provides sensory feedback.

What you could try to do is replace this feedback with an alternative sensory input.

There are many alternative sensory activities, such as jumping on a trampoline, crawling, or pushing or pulling heavy objects.

These can help satisfy their sensory needs and reduce the urge to tip toe walk.

Increase your childs strength

Again we would always recommend you speak to a professional first but you could consider increasing your child’s strength.

Tip toe walking can be caused by weak muscles in the feet and legs. .

Exercises that target these muscles can help strengthen them and improve the child’s ability to walk with their entire foot on the ground.

Naturally you may have to make it fun and engaging but examples of exercises include calf raises, toe curls, and stretching exercises.

Work on communication and socialisation

Some children with autism may walk on their toes as a way to cope with social anxiety or stress.

Encouraging socialisation and providing opportunities for the child to interact with others can help.

It may reduce their stress levels and improve their social skills, which may in turn reduce the urge to tip toe walk.

Provide buckets of praise

Rewarding your child for walking with their entire foot on the ground can be a powerful motivator.

You can use a rewards system, such as a sticker chart or sweets, to encourage and reinforce the desired behaviour.

Summary – How to stop tip toe walking in Autism

Firstly it is important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another.

It may take time and patience to find the right intervention or combination of interventions that work for your child.

However, with persistence and the right support, it is possible to help your child stop tip toe walking and develop better walking habits.