Move Play Thrive - The Ins and Outs of Toe Walking

The Ins and Outs of Toe Walking

For more information about innate movements, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter!

Greetings,

Did you know there is research showing that toe walking is associated with a retained primitive reflex? The Tonic
Labyrinthine Reflex appears to be linked to toe walking in cases of autism. (See research summary below).

Retained primitive reflexes can hinder our postural control and gait, so it makes sense that they may be a factor
in toe walking.

While there could be other factors involved in toe walking, the good news is that using neurodevelopmental
movements to mature primitive reflexes decreases toe walking for many children! Peggy McCahan, OTA/L is
a school based therapist who recently shared her success using movements from the Brain and Sensory
Foundations course for students who were "perching" and toe walking. Peggy's brief and inspiring video will
be available soon, so watch for it in the next email. Meantime, there are remarkable case studies below about
turning around toe-walking.

Very best wishes,
Sonia

No Toe Walking for the First Time After Less than a Week

of Innate Rhythmic Movements
This kindergartener, diagnosed with Autism, had always walked on his toes,
a tendency that increased when he became excited or anxious. After less than
a week of doing innate rhythmic movements from the Brain and Sensory
Foundations course, there was no toe-walking for the first time ever!

Thank you to Elissa Cashman, Occupational Therapist,
for this case study.

Teen Boy With Severe Toe Walking Sees Huge Improvement
This student's toe walking was so severe, he had one year of serial
casting to minimize plantar flexion and increase the length of his
Achilles tendon, a measure that was effective for less than 6 months.
The plan was for more surgery but, fortunately, innate rhythmic
movements proved effective before that happened. This case
study not only highlights improvements with toe walking. but
dramatic behavioral improvements as well. Check it out!.

Thank you to KJM, Occupational Therapist, for this case study.

Reference
Accardo, P. J., & Barrow, W. (2015). Toe walking in autism: further observations. Journal of Child Neurology, 30(5), 606-609.

Be empowered with the Brain and Sensory Foundations course.
Train the Brain for Functional Gain!