@justonthespectrum: Why do autistic children walk on #TipToe ? One possibility is said that it is a self-soothing behavior. It is common for children with autism to have sensory issues & walking on tip toes can provide a calming & enjoyable feedback. Another possible explanation is that it is a form of stimming. #Stimming, or self-stimulating behavior, help cope with overwhelming feelings or situations. It is said that walking on tip toes can help to regulate the body’s energy & provide a feeling of control. As such, I’ve learned that many do not advocate to prevent or correct tip toe walking in children. On the other hand, there are some who believe that the behavior should be corrected because it can lead to poor posture or gait, or other long term health consequences — such as chronic pain, balance issues & even joint damage. (That would be me 🙋🏻‍♀️). In my situation, I did consult with a credited & decorated Orthopedic doctor early on — but long story short, I was told to come back several years later, to get necessary “surgery” to the ankle/foot, if/when damage is done (reactive healthcare approach 👎🏻); there was nothing they can do, proactively, to help prevent potential harmful consequences. In hearing this, it forced me to seek an unconventional approach: utilizing Ankle Braces to slow down the habit that may be hard to break. But mostly, doing regular foot exercises i.e. climbing up slides, using balancing equipments. While the exact cause of this behavior is still unknown, what we do know is that when you walk on your tip toes, your body is forced to use muscles, tendons & ligaments in ways that they are not designed to be used. & so, the body weight is concentrated on a very small area, causing undue stress on the joints. This can lead to wear/tear & over time may cause permanent damage. ⚠️ Ultimately, the decision of whether tip toe walking in autistic children should be prevented or corrected depends on the individual child & the opinion of the caretakers. No matter what your decision is, please understand that we are just sharing ours & everyone should consult their own doctors & do self-research accordingly. #cute #toddler #autism #nonspeaking #nonverbal #inspiration

Cynthia Rosignolo

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Region: US

Sunday 18 December 2022 07:46:41 GMT