Bigger butt could be a sign of autism and ADHD

Believe it or not, your butt might reveal a thing or two about your brain.

Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD often share symptoms, including difficulty with social situations, concentrating, and managing emotions.

But research suggests there might be a surprising clue hidden in your rear view: a prominent flare.

It’s usually not about genetics or body shape. Instead, it is often related to a common postural problem called anterior pelvic tilt.

In this condition, the front of the pelvis tilts forward instead of remaining neutral, causing the lower back to curve inward more than normal.

The result? A protruding stomach and protruding glutes, creating what some call a “duck’s ass”.

Although anyone can have an anterior pelvic tilt, it is common in children with autism or ADHD.

In the United States, an estimated 1 in 31 children ages 8 and older have been diagnosed with autism, a wide-ranging disorder affecting learning, behavior, communication and social interaction.

As of 2022, approximately 1 in 9 American children ages 3 to 17 have at some point been diagnosed with ADHD, a developmental disorder that affects attention, concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

One of the reasons these children tend to develop an anterior pelvic tilt is that they often have low muscle tone, which can leave the core and glutes too weak to keep the pelvis properly aligned.

Sitting for long periods of time or repeating movements like tiptoe walking can also tighten your hip flexors and lower back, pushing the pelvis even further out of position.

On top of this, many children with autism or ADHD have difficulties with balance, coordination and body awareness, making it even more difficult to maintain good posture when standing or moving.

Taken together, these challenges can lead to a range of posture differences, including a forward-jutting head, rounded shoulders, and a tilted pelvis.

In one study, researchers used 3D motion analysis to compare gait patterns and found that school-aged children with autism tended to walk with a more forward-tilted pelvis than their typically developing peers.

These children also didn’t push as hard with their ankles when they walked and their hips were bent more forward than usual.

In another study, researchers found that boys with ADHD had an anterior pelvic angle that was on average 4.5 degrees higher than that of children without the disorder.

“Our results suggest that anterior pelvic angle represents a specific gait variable related to ADHD symptoms,” the authors wrote.

Although an anterior pelvic tilt isn’t a problem for everyone, it can sometimes cause pain in the lower back, hips, and knees. It can also affect movements, including balance and speed.

The good news is that exercises that stretch the hip flexors and strengthen the glutes, hamstrings, and core—such as bridges, planks, leg raises, and wall sits—can help keep the pelvis properly aligned.

Experts say working with a physical or occupational therapist can help make these exercises fun for children with autism or ADHD, while also tailoring them to their specific needs, such as sensory sensitivities.