Here is what a psychologist says about the connection between walking on one’s toes and ADHD.
Where did the idea ever originate that walking on one’s toes is a symptom or indicative of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
If a child (or adult) has difficulty locking their attention span on something, why would this cause them to walk around on their toes?
As silly as this question is, it’s one that a lot of people would like to know the answer to.
The Connection Between Toe Walking and ADHD
“Toe walking is not linked to ADHD,” says Dr. Robert Myers, creator of the Total Focus program at Legacy Publishing.
Dr. Myers is a clinical psychologist with 30+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and parents, specializing in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
He explains, “Toe walking can be a sign of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders and needs to be evaluated by a specialist.
“Some children with autism may have this symptom as well as possible symptoms similar to children diagnosed with ADHD.
“My guess is that this is the cause for the confusion about this symptom.”
Do Typical Kids Walk on Their Toes?
Yes, all the time. You’ve seen it plenty: typical children walking around on their toes. There’s a novelty about it.
In fact, this helps strengthen the ankles. An adult may include a little toe walking during an exercise session for this very reason.
Of course, there is a time and place for everything. If your child walks on their toes during inappropriate times, then this should be corrected (don’t scold or insult; just merely point out not to do it).
True signs of ADHD include what these letters stand for: a deficit in the ability to maintain one’s attention — what would be considered a normal degree of attention span for a child’s particular age — paired with hyperactivity and lack of impulse control that’s out of proportion for the event at hand.
Dr. Myers has 30+ years’ experience working with children, adolescents and parents, specializing in children and adolescents with ADHD. Total Focus is a comprehensive program to improve attention, concentration and self-control in children.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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