Autistic toddlers walk on their toes which is known as toe walking.
Not all children though with autism will toe walk, and not all toe walkers have autism, the behavior is more frequent in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Autistic toddlers often also have gait deviations, which include a reduced stride length, increased step width, "wider base of support" and increased in time in the stance phase, when the foot is on the ground
The altered gait patterns in autistic toddlers may be linked to sensory seeking behaviors or differences in motor control related to the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
A dysfunctional vestibular system, is a common problem in autism, can be responsible for toe walking.
Some autistic toddlers may exhibit some social and communicative behaviors like using eye contact and gestures, showing interests in social interactions and engaging in reciprocal play like taking turns in playing games.
And some autistic toddlers have difficulty with social interaction and might not participate in games such as peek a boo, which can vary widely depending on the individual toddler and the severity of their autism and symptoms.
Although not wanting to play peek a boo is not always an indicator of autism.
Level 1 autism in toddlers is a type of autism that is referred to as "requiring support,".
Level 1 autism in toddlers presents itself with subtle communication and social challenges which might not be immediately obvious.
Toddlers that have level 1 autism may appear to function within the typical range of development in certain settings, although the toddler with level 1 autism may also struggle in specific situations, especially in situations which require flexibility or social interaction.
In toddlers that have level 1 autism, the toddler may struggle to start conversations or respond appropriately within a back and forth interaction and they may have trouble understanding facial expressions, body language and other social cues can be difficult for them.
And toddlers with level 1 autism may also want to engage but struggle with the nuances of social interaction and they may have difficulty in transitioning between activities and or adapting to unexpected changes.
Also tasks which require planning and sequencing can also be challenging and they may have strong interests in specific topics or activities.
Toddlers and even older kids with autism may bite in some cases as a way to communicate their needs and feelings even if they are able to speak.
Toddlers can struggle to express themselves verbally so they resort to biting and rage attacks.
Autistic kids chew on their shirts as a way to help them calm their nervous system and get relief from sensory overload.
Chewing on shirts is common in kids with autism, learning disabilities and sensory processing disorders.
The biggest symptom of autism is problems with social communication and interaction skills, avoiding eye contact and restricted and repetitive behaviors like hand flapping.
The signs of autism include.
Avoiding eye contact and not smiling when you smile at them.
Getting very upset if they don't like a certain taste, sound or smell.
Repetitive movements such as flicking their fingers, rocking their body or flapping their hands.
Not liking loud noises or even just noises in general
Chewing on a shirt and other objects is stimming in autistic children and is a way of calming the autistic child's or other persons nerves and helps reduce anxiety.
An alternative to a pacifier for autism is a teething ring, taking sips of water, chewing on chewy tubes, biting a chewing necklace, using a Z grabber or chewing on a Z Vibe.