Toe Walking in Autism

Persistent toe walking (PTW) not due to a neurological or orthopedic disorder is often characterized as idiopathic toe walking (ITW). PTW has been associated with language disorders and autism. Toe walking accompanied by a language delay might be considered as an early sign of autism. The reason behind this association remains unknown but may relate to either the persistence of an infantile primitive reflex pattern or to sensory modulation difficulties. Persistence of the toe walking for a long time might give rise to a fixed orthopedic deformity in need of physical treatment.