Walking Patterns May Indicate Autism
According to a leading health expert, the way a person walks could potentially signal whether they have autism. Professor Nicole Rinehart, a clinical psychologist from Australia with two decades of experience, notes that an unusual gait is now recognized in the DSM-5 as a supplementary diagnostic feature of autism.
The DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, serves as the primary reference for diagnosing neurological conditions, including autism. Determining autism, which affects over 5 million adults and roughly 2 million children in the United States, can be challenging since there aren’t any definitive medical tests like blood tests or MRIs for the disorder.
Instead, doctors often rely on a person’s developmental history and behavior for diagnosis. Professor Rinehart mentions that autism can influence walking patterns due to differences in brain development, specifically in areas like the basal ganglia and cerebellum.
The basal ganglia helps filter motor signals for smooth and coordinated movements, while the cerebellum processes information from various sensory inputs to maintain stability.
According to Professor Rinehart, some of the most notable gait differences in individuals with autism include toe-walking, in-toeing, and out-toeing.
However, she also points out that for those with milder forms of autism, the differences in walking may be more subtle. She explains that a review of three decades of research has highlighted characteristics of gait in autistic individuals, such as slower walking speed, wider steps, and longer durations in the stance phase when one’s foot is off the ground.
Professor Rinehart believes that these distinct gait patterns can persist into adulthood, possibly becoming more pronounced with age. Researchers propose that identifying these walking styles early could be transformative for autism diagnosis, especially in young children, since they can be observed objectively.
For individuals with severe autism, who often face significant social and communication challenges, gait differences may be more evident. If someone with autism exhibits an altered walking pattern, intervention might not be necessary unless it affects their daily life participation. However, if their walking style raises the risk of falls or inhibits them from enjoying physical activities, seeking support would be beneficial.
Therapies aimed at correcting autistic gait, especially toe walking, often combine physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy generally focuses on enhancing muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. In contrast, occupational therapy works on motor skills, balance, and coordination, frequently including sensory integration techniques. In more severe instances, options may even include surgical interventions.
When it comes to children, care doesn’t always have to be clinical. Engaging in sports or dance classes can be advantageous, according to Professor Rinehart. She states that since children spend a significant amount of time in school, integrating movement opportunities throughout the school day can help autistic children enhance their motor skills in a social setting.
Community-based interventions, such as dance or sports, have shown positive results, allowing autistic children to take ownership of their movement rather than framing it as a problem that needs fixing.
The CDC reported that in 2022, approximately 1 in 31 children aged eight or younger were diagnosed with autism, marking an increase from 1 in 36 in 2020. This rise is notable, especially when compared to earlier estimates from the 1960s and 1970s, which suggested rates as low as 1 in 5,000.
A recent CDC report indicated considerable geographic variation in diagnosis, with rates ranging from about 1 in 100 in parts of Texas to 1 in 19 in San Diego. Experts believe the increased rates over the years can be attributed to improved screening practices, heightened public awareness, and better service access, although some attribute these trends to environmental factors like diet and chemical exposure.
The average age for an autism diagnosis is around five, though many parents notice unusual behaviors, particularly in social interactions, as early as two. Looking forward, Professor Rinehart emphasizes the necessity for further research into the specificities of autistic gait, which could be instrumental in customizing treatment plans to suit individual children’s movement styles as they grow.
