Does/did you toddler like to walk on lines?

[DropOfRain]

Potentially a very silly question!

For a little back story so I don't sound completely ridiculous - DD, 19 months, has a physical disability, is under genetic testing, pediatric care, non verbal, the list goes on but you get the point. She's at a stage where they won't make certain referrals until she's 2 (speech therapy, discussion of autism) but we're constantly told to keep a note of any concerns or changes. And to be completely honest, with lockdown I have no toddler mum friends, so I have no idea what is a concern and what is "normal" (hate that word.)

On to the actual question.. DD likes to walk on lines. From the moment she could walk, she wanted to walk on the kerb. I wouldn't let her because it's right next to the road and that would be asking for trouble. Which was very upsetting to her. I sort of forgot about it but lately we've been going for walks across a football field and she absolutely loves the white line markers. She'll walk around the whole pitch, the centre circle, round and round the goals. I'm pretty sure she'd carry on for hours if I let her.

Looking online, lining up toys is something that's connected to autism, but what about following lines? Is this just something toddlers do, or should I make a note of it?

I remember doing it all the time. It's like walking on this walls but safer. My now 10yr DS used to do it too

*thin walls

Yep, DD has loved doing this from when she started walking and she did it again today and she is now 3.5!

My DS does this with kerbs. He also loves the 2m circle signs on the floor of shops

Mine do this very occasionally but more often than not they just run full steam ahead without looking at anything. They fall a lot

DD absolutely loved this, DS not so bothered. Both NT.

I think it's quite normal, remember doing it myself and am sure my child did too.

Ah great! Thank you everyone, I clearly need to be friends with more parents! I think all the hospital appointments have made me into a ridiculous symptom spotter

Normal. Lots of things which are ‘signs’ of autism are considered to be a normal developmental stage in younger children.

Has anyone suggested you try mackaton?

Very normal behaviour. My kids and I used to play a game where we play chase on the lines of a tennis court....I bet your little one would like that too.

Then there is the not stepping on any line phase. The hopping everywhere phase. The walking backwards phase...... kids are fascinating creatures.

It's completely normal behaviour. Look up some information on schemas for reassurance. I think following lines would come under the trajectory or positional schemas.
You could think of some activities around the same theme, maybe chalking lines and patterns to walk along or draw tracks for him to drive his toy cars along.

Put into perspective it is definitely a sign of autism or something similar, considering you say your DD has other conditions.

On its own, I would say it was typical behaviour.