According to experts, the hip tilting more forward than normal and the appearance popularly described as a “duck butt” may be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Numerous studies over the last 10 years have focused on this apparent change in posture, especially in children under 10 years of age. Research shows that some children’s hips look more prominent outward due to the pelvis tilting forward, even though they are not actually larger.
PELVIS BENDS MORE FORWARD IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
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In the observations made on children with autism spectrum disorder, it was determined that the pelvis of these children was inclined 5 degrees more forward on average when walking compared to their peers without autism. Experts state that autism, which affects social and communication skills, may also affect movement and balance systems.
It is stated that behaviors such as walking on toes and sitting in the same position for a long time, which are common in children with autism, shorten the hip flexor muscles, which contribute to the forward tilt of the pelvis. This situation makes balance difficult and can lead to clumsiness and adaptation problems while walking.
REVEALED THROUGH WALK ANALYSIS
Independent studies conducted in Italy and Japan determined that these posture differences generally become more visible between the ages of 8 and 10, when children enter school age.
In 2018, researchers from the Institute for Scientific Research, Hospital and Health in Italy used 3D movement analyzes to compare children with autism and those without autism. Children walked on a treadmill in a virtual reality-supported environment and their pelvis, hip, knee and ankle angles were measured step by step.
The research results revealed that in children with autism, the pelvis is excessively tilted forward when the foot first touches the ground, hip and thigh movements are different from normal, and ankle movements are more limited. It was also stated that these differences in gait were directly related to the severity of autism symptoms.
SIMILAR FINDINGS IN CHILDREN WITH ADHD
It was determined that a similar situation was observed in children diagnosed with ADHD. In a 2017 study conducted in Japan, the walks of boys with ADHD aged 9–10 were analyzed with detailed cameras.
Researchers reported that children with ADHD had their pelvis tilted an average of 4.5 degrees more forward, took faster steps, and that this posture was strongly associated with symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. The study was published in the journal PLoS One.
IT MAY ALSO CAUSE PHYSICAL PROBLEMS
Experts state that a forward-tilted pelvis puts extra load on the waist, hips and knees over time, and this can lead to chronic pain. In addition, the difficulty of activities that require balance may cause children to tire more quickly or become restless in daily life.
Research shows that this posture change does not cause autism or ADHD; However, he emphasizes that these conditions may be a result of their effects on muscles, balance system and motor skills. It is stated that if detected early, these effects can be alleviated with exercise, physiotherapy and supportive approaches.
AUTISM AND ADHD ARE OFTEN OBJECTED TOGETHER
Previous studies reveal that autism and ADHD can occur together in many children. According to research, the rate of these two conditions occurring together can vary between 50-70 percent. Common features such as attention problems, movement differences and sensory sensitivities are shown as the reason for this.
According to 2025 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 31 children in the US is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
REASONS AND DISCUSSIONS
Scientists think that autism mainly occurs as a result of a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood. Family history, some gene mutations and genetic conditions such as Fragile X syndrome are among the risk factors.
Experts also warn that claims that childhood vaccines cause autism have no scientific basis, and the CDC has found no evidence.
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