Signs of Autism Could Be Encoded in the Way You Walk

Summary

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people's brains develop and function, impacting behaviour, communication and socialising. It can also involve differences in the way you move and walk – known as your gait.Having an "odd gait" is now listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a supporting diagnostic feature of autism.What does this look like?The most noticeable gait differences among autistic people are: toe-walking, walking on the balls of the feet in-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned inwards out-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned out. Toe-walking can be a sign of autism. (towfiqu barbhuiya/Canva)Research has also identified more subtle differences. A study summarising 30 years of research among autistic people reports that gait is characterised by: walking more slowly taking wider steps spending longer in the "stance" phase, when the foot leaves the ground taking more time to complete each step. Autistic people show much more personal variability in the length and speed of their strides, as well as their walking speed.Related: Video Game Has 80% Success Rate in Identifying Autistic KidsGait differences also tend to occur alongside other motor differences, such as issues with balance, coordination, postural stability and handwriting. Autistic people may need support for these other motor skills.What causes gait differences?These are largely due to differences in brain development, specifically in areas known as the basal ganglia and cerebellum.The basal ganglia are broadly responsible for sequencing movement including through shifting posture. It ensures your gait appears effortless, smooth and automatic.Basal ganglia (in red) in a human brain. (janulla from Getty Images/Canva)The cerebellum then uses visual and proprioceptive information (to sense the body's position and movement) to adjust and time movements to maintain postural stability. It ensures movement is controlled and coordinated.De...