Most people assume that toe walking in autism is simply due to Sensory Processing Disorder, however, when we look beyond that, we can see that there are often other issues at play. Here are some examples:
- Constipation
- Mineral deficiency (specifically magnesium and zinc)
- Thiamine deficiency
- Food sensitivities such as dairy or gluten
- Developmental vision problem
- Retained primitive reflex (tonic labyrinthine reflex)
https://www.autism.org/toe-walking-and-asd/
Toe walking may be directly or indirectly related to a visual-vestibular problem. I have conducted several research studies with Melvin Kaplan, O.D. at the Center for Visual Management in Tarrytown, New York. While performing these studies, I observed four individuals who were toe walkers. In each case, their toe walking was eliminated within seconds after the child began wearing prism lenses.
https://www.acornautism.co.nz/blog/2018/5/30/why-does-my-child-with-autism-walk-on-their-toes
Why do some children with autism walk on their toes?
There are a number of reasons a child with autism may walk on their toes. These include;
Sensory difficulties. A child with autism could experience anxiety or discomfort feeling certain areas of their feet touching the ground.
Hyper-extended back posture (“sway back”). More commonly seen in children with low muscle tone / muscle weakness, this posture can shift the child’s weight forward over their toes, encouraging toe walking.
Vestibular difficulties. Vestibular has to do with balance, movement and coordination. This difficulty can cause the child to move their weight forward over their toes, encouraging toe-walking.
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-toe-walking/