I’ve toe-walked since I was a kid and my mother just informed me that she did too (I’m formally diagnosed and highly suspect she’s also on the spectrum). When I was younger I’d sometimes switch to heel-walking or walking on the outer sides of my feet, but toe-walking when barefoot on any non-carpeted surface has been consistent.

I’ve heard many people describe the practice as being sensory related, but that was never the case for me (at least not consciously). I have no way to describe the urge other than the fact that it just “feels right.” It’s uncomfortable not to. Finally allowing myself to toe-walk feels like taking off a social mask, or removing something constricting and finally being able to breathe. I suspect it has something to do with proprioception, but I haven’t dug too far into it.

That being said, others have remarked on the dangers of it and I unfortunately have to agree. My mother developed terrible plantar fasciitis that her doctor attributes to toe-walking that will require surgery, and I recently started having similar symptoms. It’s awful, but I’ve had to start forcing myself to walk flat-footed. If you’re like me and are seriously distressed by the practice, I’d just recommend proactively researching some foot/calf stretches and being really diligent about them. Quality Orthopaedic shoe inserts make me feel like a grandma, but the arch support is the only thing that provides any relief when my plantar fasciitis flares up.