Have you ever seen a child sitting on the floor with their knees bent and their feet tucked out to the sides, making a “W” shape with their legs? That’s “W-sitting.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that it affects an estimated 1 in every 36 children in the United States. ASD is characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It’s also important to note that autism is a spectrum, meaning that the disorder manifests differently in each individual.
Is there a connection between W-sitting and autism? This article explores the potential link, diving into possible causes, effects, and what to do if you notice your child doing it.
Typical development and motor skills
Kids develop motor skills at different rates, but there are some common milestones along the way. Learning to roll over, crawl, sit, stand, walk, run, and jump are all part of typical motor development.
Core strength and stability are key for motor development because they affect posture, balance, and coordination.
Sitting postures in typically developing children
Kids sit in all kinds of positions, including:
- Long sitting (legs straight out in front)
- Ring sitting (legs out in front, bent to form a ring)
- Side sitting (both legs bent to one side)
- Tailor sitting (criss-cross applesauce)
W-sitting is also pretty common, especially when kids are first learning to sit up on their own. It’s not unusual for a child to W-sit sometimes, even if they usually sit in other positions.
W-sitting: Potential causes and underlying factors
While W-sitting is common in early childhood, there are a few underlying physical and sensory factors that may contribute to the behavior.
Physical factors contributing to W-sitting
- Hip and core muscle weakness. If a child’s hip abductors and core muscles are weak, W-sitting may feel more stable than other sitting positions.
- Increased hip internal rotation. Some children are born with greater hip internal rotation than others, which means W-sitting feels more natural and comfortable to them.
- Tightness in hip adductors. Tight hip adductor muscles can also make W-sitting a more appealing option.
Sensory and proprioceptive factors
Sensory processing differences are common in autism, and W-sitting may be a way for some children to seek out specific sensory input.
- Sensory seeking behaviors. For some children with autism, W-sitting may provide a sense of stability and containment, which can be comforting.
- Proprioceptive input and body awareness. The posture may also provide increased proprioceptive feedback (awareness of the position and movement of the body), which can be calming and organizing for some individuals.
Why is W-sitting sometimes a concern?
While W-sitting isn’t always a problem, prolonged W-sitting can sometimes lead to issues.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Sitting in a W-position for long periods may increase the risk of hip dislocation, especially in children who are already predisposed to hip problems. It can also contribute to hip and knee pain over time. Finally, because it doesn’t require the use of core muscles, it can negatively impact posture and gait.
Developmental Concerns
W-sitting may delay the development of core strength and balance, since it limits the need to engage those muscles. It also reduces opportunities for trunk rotation and weight shifting, both of which are important for developing motor skills. Because W-sitting stabilizes the lower body, it can limit upper body movement, potentially affecting fine motor skill development.
When to Talk to a Professional
If you’re concerned about your child’s W-sitting, especially if they seem to only sit that way, it’s a good idea to talk to a pediatrician or physical therapist. Early intervention is key to addressing any potential developmental delays.
W-sitting and autism
Researchers haven’t definitively established whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) W-sit more often than neurotypical children. However, some experts theorize that sensory and motor differences may play a role.
Many children with ASD have sensory processing differences. Some are oversensitive (hypersensitive) and some are undersensitive (hyposensitive). For example, a child who is hyposensitive to pressure might W-sit to feel more grounded and stable. The posture provides a wider base of support and more contact with the floor.
Motor planning difficulties are also common in ASD. Motor planning refers to the brain’s ability to organize and execute movements. If a child struggles with motor planning, they may gravitate toward W-sitting because it requires less core strength and balance than other positions. In effect, it’s a more stable, less demanding posture.
Wrapping Up
If your child with autism frequently sits in a W position, there are several things you can do. First, gently encourage them to try other sitting positions, like criss-cross applesauce or sitting with their legs to one side. A small chair can also be a great alternative.
You can also work with your child on exercises to strengthen their core and hips. Planks, bridges, and squats are all good options, as are many games and activities that naturally build strength and stability.
If you have concerns about your child’s motor skills or sitting habits, talk with their doctor or therapist. An occupational therapist can evaluate your child and develop a treatment plan to help them develop the skills they need. Remember, a holistic approach that considers sensory, motor, and behavioral factors is key to helping your child thrive.