Abstract:

Toe walking (TW) is an idiopathic behavior present in many individuals with disabilities, particularly with autism (occurring in approximately 19% of children diagnosed with ASD). This behavior can also be considered a stereotypy (as it presents repetition over time) and has a serious impact on people's lives for physical (shortening of the tendons) and social reasons (stigma regarding the eccentricity of the behavior). The etiology and nature of TW is heterogeneous and presents differences between individual and individual. However, there are recurring patterns that, if recognized, can help in the treatment and work of reducing TW. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reduction of toe walking in a child with ASD through sound stimulation (using GaitSpot Auditory Squeakers) and the use of the CareMe hardware device (a set of devices connected to a processor that manages the analysis of movements and heartbeat) for data collection and monitoring of the various phases of TW reduction.

Keywords:

Toe Walking, New Tech, Autism, ASD, Problem Behavior, ABA.