3 clues in the way you walk could be signs of autism

When most people think of autism, they picture sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors or social difficulties.

But research shows that early signs can also show up in the way a child walks, often through three distinct movement patterns.

Now, scientists are developing a cutting-edge app designed to detect those subtle clues, potentially paving the way for earlier diagnoses and faster access to support for children who need it.

But first: what is autism?

It’s a developmental condition that affects how people learn, behave, communicate and interact with the world around them.

Autism is considered a spectrum because people who have it exhibit a wide range of characteristics, strengths, challenges and needs that vary greatly from person to person.

Many children start showing signs as early as 12 to 18 months — sometimes even sooner — including differences in motor skills and coordination.

One key diagnostic feature is an “odd gait,” or a walking pattern that deviates from what’s typical.

Watch your step

One of the more common signs of autism hidden in a child’s gait is toe-walking, when they primarily walk on the balls of their feet with little or no heel contact.

It’s common for toddlers just learning to walk, but if the habit continues past age three, it could be a sign of a developmental condition like autism, according to the Autism Research Institute.

A 2019 study found nearly 1 in 10 autistic children persistently toe-walk, compared to less than 0.5% of those without the diagnosis.

Two other telltale signs are in-toeing and out-toeing — when one or both feet point inward or outward while walking.

But it doesn’t stop there. Research shows autistic children often:

• Take shorter steps
• Walk with feet set wider apart
• Keep their foot on the ground longer during each step
• Have more variation in step length and width
• Walk slower overall
• Sway or move their upper body more while walking

These unusual gait patterns often go hand-in-hand with other motor challenges, like trouble with balance and coordination.

What’s behind the walking differences?

Scientists are still working to fully understand it, but research points to differences in brain development as a major factor.

Experts from Monash University in Australia explained in an essay for The Conversation that regions like the cerebellum and basal ganglia — key parts of the brain for coordinating movement and balance — are often involved.

Research suggests that sensory sensitivities may also play a role. Some autistic people are highly sensitive to things like the feel of certain surfaces or the fit of their shoes, which can influence how they walk as they try to avoid or adjust to uncomfortable sensations.

Muscle weakness might be another factor. Low muscle tone, common in people with autism, can affect foot and ankle strength, potentially causing unusual gait patterns, according to the Advanced Therapy Clinic.

Can gait differences help diagnose autism?

Early support can make a huge difference for kids with autism, but many aren’t diagnosed until after starting school, according to the Child Mind Institute. 

Autism can be difficult to diagnose because its characteristics vary widely from person to person. There’s also no single blood test, brain scan or medical exam that can confirm it.

That’s why scientists are turning to unique walking patterns as an early clue.

Researchers at Northern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are developing an AI-powered app that analyzes a child’s gait to predict their likelihood of autism.

Early trials show the app is about 80% accurate in spotting autism from short videos of kids walking.

Experts say this kind of technology could put autism screening in the hands of parents nationwide — especially those in low-income or rural areas — helping young people get diagnosed and supported sooner.

The implications could be significant, especially with autism cases on the rise among young people. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 31 children in the US have the condition.

Can these walking differences be treated?

If a person’s walking style doesn’t interfere with daily life, treatment usually isn’t necessary.

But if it causes problems — like a higher risk of falls or difficulty taking part in physical activities — some children may benefit from help by occupational or physical therapists.

These specialists use exercises, gait retraining, and other techniques to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination, encouraging a more typical walking pattern.

They might also include sensory integration therapy, which helps autistic people better process sensory input, often improving movement and coordination.

Research also shows that activities like sports or dance can boost children’s motor skills and overall movement abilities.