Autism Spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts and processes the world around them, typically becoming apparent in early childhood. While ASD is primarily a neurodevelopmental condition, many children on the spectrum also experience differences in gross motor skills, coordination and balance — and these can influence the way they walk, run and move.

What is the connection between autism and the feet?

Autism itself is not a foot condition. However, research into ASD shows it is relatively common, affecting children worldwide, with diagnoses more frequent in boys than girls [1][2]. Among children on the spectrum, motor differences are often part of the picture. Coordination, balance and proprioception (your body's sense of where it is in space) all contribute to a healthy walking and running pattern. When these are affected, you might notice:

• Toe walking or an unusual gait pattern
• Difficulty with balance, frequent trips or falls
• Reduced confidence with walking, running or play
• Fatigue or reluctance during physical activity
• Differences in how shoes fit or are tolerated

These are common reasons families on the Central Coast bring their child to a podiatrist, and addressing them can make movement more comfortable and enjoyable.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and support children on the spectrum?

Our podiatry team brings together a Bachelor of Podiatry, Foot Mobilisation Therapy and Level 1 Running Coach certification across every one of our podiatrists. That running-coach background means we offer genuine gait and running assessments — observing how your child stands, walks and runs to understand their individual movement patterns.

We know that a clinic visit can feel overwhelming for a child on the spectrum, so we take a patient, unhurried and child-friendly approach. Care is always tailored to the individual, and may include:

• Detailed gait and movement assessment to identify how balance, coordination and foot mechanics are working together
• Custom orthotic therapy, using weightbearing 3D scanning and patient-matched, left/right devices that we 3D print in-house — helping to support stability and proprioception
• Footwear advice to improve comfort, fit and confidence
• Foot mobilisation therapy and other in-clinic modalities where clinically appropriate

These interventions aim to help manage gait and balance challenges and support overall motor function. We work alongside your child's broader care team where helpful, and our goal is always to build confidence and make movement easier.

When should I seek help?

If you've noticed persistent toe walking, frequent falls, balance difficulties, foot pain or reluctance to be active, it's worth having your child assessed. Early, gentle support can make a meaningful difference.

Funding and bookings

We welcome NDIS participants who are self- or plan-managed (at standard NDIS rates), and we also accept Medicare EPC referrals and private health (with HICAPS on-the-spot claiming).

We'd love to support your family. Book online here or call our friendly team on (02) 4319 4004. You'll find us at 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah, open Monday to Friday, from 7am.

Related services

• Children's Podiatry