Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder * Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness. * Able to follow simple verbal commands. * Sufficient gross motor skills present. Exclusion Criteria: * Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy \> 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded. * History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery. * Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture * Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation. * Non-ambulatory children.