Why Can’t a Child with Autism Walk Steadily?

Most people are able to walk even on uneven surfaces without veering noticeably to the right or left. You can test yourself with a simple exercise: in the presence of others, close your eyes, stretch your arms forward, and take 10 steps (or more, if you wish). If observers confirm that your walk was straight, everything is fine.

Some autistic individuals, however, are unable to pass this test. Due to various neurodevelopmental characteristics—including sensory, motor, and neurological differences—they often struggle to maintain balance. Difficulties with walking in autism are usually associated with a number of factors:

1. Abnormal Sensory Processing
   Many autistic people experience either heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as sounds, touch, light, etc. These distractions make it hard to focus, affecting balance and movement coordination.
2. Motor Coordination Issues
   Autistic individuals often struggle with planning and controlling movements, a condition known as dyspraxia. This makes it difficult to perform sequential actions, especially in unfamiliar environments, and can lead to an unsteady gait, hesitation, tripping, and swaying.
3. Hypo- or Hypertonia
   Some autistic individuals have muscles that are either overly tense or too relaxed. This affects posture and gait.
4. Anxiety or Behavioral Traits
   Anxiety, unfamiliar settings, and unique attention or spatial perception issues can interfere with bodily control during movement.
5. Sensory Integration Disorders
   Autistic individuals may have trouble processing sensory information, including proprioception (sense of body position) and vestibular sensitivity (balance). This may result in instability, wobbling while walking, or unusual movements—such as toe-walking.
6. Neurological Differences
   Research points to potential differences in the functioning of the cerebellum and basal ganglia—brain regions responsible for coordination and movement automation. Some autistic individuals also show atypical activation of the brain’s motor cortex.
7. Stereotypical Behavior
   Repetitive behaviors—such as rocking, spinning, or walking in specific patterns—can serve as a form of self-regulation, but may outwardly resemble an unsteady gait.

Of course, not all autistic individuals experience these challenges. Some have excellent coordination, while others show more pronounced motor difficulties. In such cases, specialists like neurologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists may offer support. However, the root cause of unsteady walking in these cases remains autism itself. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to address the condition directly.

Cell Therapy: A Path to Addressing Autism and Its Symptoms

This can be achieved through cell therapy—an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that helps treat both autism and its symptoms. The process involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells, ensuring safety by eliminating the risk of immune rejection. The therapy is highly natural, as healing occurs through the body’s own regenerative capabilities rather than through medication.

Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into other cell types and replace damaged ones with healthy counterparts. This leads to normalization of brain and nervous system function, stabilizing behavior and reducing or even eliminating symptoms. The effect is often long-lasting, and in many cases, lifelong—enhancing the effectiveness of other forms of therapy.

This method has proven far more effective than traditional approaches and may become a leading solution for autism and its manifestations. Though relatively new, it is already widely recognized and actively used in top medical centers around the world, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center.

Here, highly qualified doctors with extensive experience in stem cell transplantation use the most advanced equipment to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. The service meets the strictest international standards while remaining more affordable than in other countries with developed healthcare systems. The center also offers assistance with travel planning and accommodation during rehabilitation.

Fill out the feedback form—take advantage of the benefits of cell therapy!