Tippy Toes: The Cutest Symptom Ever

M's preferred standing position 

M, like many kids on the autism spectrum, tends to walk primarily on her tippy toes. For as long as she has been able to balance, she has been walking, running and standing on her toes. At first we thought that it was cute- she was walking like a little princess. 

When she was 3 years old, her preschool teacher brought it up to us. Mrs. G gently suggested that we contact our doctor to do an evaluation. It wasn't until a family member mentioned it to us again a few months later that we decided to bring it up to M's pediatrician. At the appointment they observed her walking and tested the elasticity of her Achilles tendon. M's pediatrician told us that there was no physical reason that she walked on her toes and diagnosed her with "idiopathic toe walking." It was at this appointment that they referred her to be evaluated for autism. (Toe walking is a symptom of autism.)

Fast forward two years, she is getting better about walking on her "flat feet." M is constantly reminded by family and teachers to walk with her heels touching the ground. However, at her 5 year check up, her pediatrician was not pleased with the amount progress she had made and referred us to an orthopedist. The concern is that her tendons will tighten and cause pain down the road. They suggested that she be fitted for an ankle-foot brace at that appointment. Unfortunately, 80% of children with idiopathic toe walking will go right back to walking on their toes after the braces come off. I asked the doctor if we could give M a few more months before giving the go ahead on the braces. 

A few weeks after the consult for the braces, we came across a pair of silver high tops. As I stood there having a flashback to the days when Punky Brewster rocked a similar fashion- I realized that these bedazzled beauties could help M keep her heels on the ground. She put them on, took a few steps, turned and exclaimed "I can't walk on my toes!" She was sold and so was I! 

M's "flat feet" shoes

We hope that this is a step in the right direction..away from leg braces!

*Please note: Not all children that walk on their toes are autistic & not all autistic children walk on their toes! If your child walks up on their toes- it does not mean that they will have tendon damage. Please contact your pediatrician if you feel that your child needs to have their toe walking looked at! More often than not, kids will out grow the habit before any damage is done.