Scientific studies suggest that the way a child's body stands or walks – particularly the position of the pelvis – may be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It's not about the actual size of the buttocks, but about a change in posture that makes them appear more pronounced, an effect known as a "duck butt."
Over the past decade, several studies have observed a greater anterior pelvic tilt, about 4–5 degrees more than average, in children under the age of 10, especially in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change is evident during walking and standing, creating the impression of a more prominent posterior, even though anatomically it is not larger.
Autism affects social skills, communication, and behavior, often accompanied by repetitive actions or sensitivity to noise, light, or smells. It can also manifest through motor behaviors such as tiptoeing or standing for long periods in repetitive positions, which tighten the hip muscles and contribute to this pelvic tilt.
These factors make it more difficult to maintain a balanced posture, so children compensate inefficiently when walking and standing. Researchers have also linked autism to atypical development of areas of the brain that control movement and balance, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
A 2018 Italian study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, used three-dimensional motion analysis to compare the gait of children with and without autism. The results showed that children with ASD had a more forward pelvic tilt at the moment the foot hit the ground, greater hip flexion, and more limited ankle mobility. The more severe the symptoms of autism, the more noticeable these motor changes were.
This deviation of the body axis increases the load on the lower back, hips and knees, leading over time to physical pain and difficulty with activities that require balance or quick movements. The researchers clearly emphasize that this condition does not cause autism, but may be a concomitant sign or consequence of its impact on muscles, balance and coordination. Early identification can help with supportive interventions, such as physiotherapy exercises or movement therapy.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 31 children—over 3 percent—is diagnosed with ASD. Meanwhile, other studies have found similar links with ADHD, a disorder that often coexists with autism. It is estimated that 50–70 percent of children with ASD also have symptoms of ADHD.
A 2017 Japanese study, which analyzed the gait of 9–10-year-old boys with ADHD, found that they also had a more forward-tilted pelvis (about 4.5 degrees on average), faster steps, and that this tilt was strongly associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Scientists believe that autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy or in the early years of life. Claims that vaccines cause autism have been consistently debunked by major scientific studies and the CDC. For ADHD, factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to toxic substances, or early brain damage may play a role.
Although studies do not suggest that postural changes directly worsen autism, the physical pain they cause can increase distress, irritability, and daily difficulties in children with ASD. For this reason, specialists emphasize the importance of a thorough medical evaluation and not simplistic or sensationalist interpretation of bodily signs. /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
