Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on April 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of shoes to stop toe walking.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years. We focus on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, such as flat feet, rolled ankles, low muscle tone, etc.
Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes to stop toe walking. I have helped hundreds of children who were walking on their toes find the correct pair of shoes which allowed them to walk heel to toe, and I believe I can help your child too.
I get contacted by parents who are worried since they took their toe walking child to their medical professional and were told that the child will eventually outgrow this condition. I recommend parents to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their child’s toe walking condition. Waiting for the condition to resolve on its own will only lead to the condition getting worse or your child developing foot and leg pain.
It is true that some children do simply outgrow this condition, but why take the chance and hope for the condition to resolve on its own? Trust me that most parents wished they have acted sooner when it comes to preventing toe walking.
It’s important to note that pediatricians are not foot experts and sometimes they might not be aware that some conditions can be treated and prevented by wearing the correct type of shoes.
When Should Parents Worry About Toe Walking?
If your child is still toe-walking after age 2 then it becomes a problem because your child’s calf muscles might begin to shorten, reducing the ankle movement. This may cause long-term damage to the foot and ankle due to the abnormal forces acting on them.
It is important that you don’t leave your child’s toe walking condition untreated as it can lead to your child developing stiffness, tightening, and pain in their Achilles tendon. Children who toe walk might experience frequent falls or stumbles with ambulation, another reason why parents shouldn’t leave this condition untreated.
Find Out What is Causing Your Child to Toe Walk
I have noticed how several doctors believe that toe walking is “idiopathic,” which means that the exact cause is not known and the child continues to toe walk because he or she has a preference to do so. I disagree with this statement as I have always found that there is a specific reason why a child continues to toe walk.
The most common reasons why children toe walk are:
- Flat Feet: Children with flat feet have poor balance and coordination. To combat this, children might raise on the toes to put the foot in a more stable position. Toe walking enhances the arch which creates a more stable foot (base) and temporarily improves the child’s balance and stability. This however is not normal and promotes improper muscle balance development and needs to be addressed.
- Short Achilles tendon: A short Achilles tendon can prevent your child’s heels from touching the ground.
- Sensory perceptions: Some children really enjoy the pressure on their toes and so they walk on their toes to meet that sensory need. Other children may not like the feeling of different surfaces on their bare feet, which causes them to rise on their toes to avoid having the full surface of their feet contracting floor. I suggest that you check the surface your child is walking on. Maybe the child doesn’t like the feeling of the cold tile or furry carpet and this exaggerates the symptoms.
- Vision impairments.
How Do You Correct Toe Walking? – Try my Effective Approach!
In my experience, most children walk on their toes due to having flat feet. I would say that 80% of the toe walking children I have helped were flat-footed. Certain shoes that are rigid at the front, provide substantial outsoles and firm heel counters that will help align the feet by supporting the arch, discouraging children from toe walking. The shoes should also come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure.
The correct type of shoes will help promote a normal walking gait by preventing your child from getting on the toes too often.
The shoes I recommend are not orthopedic, they are simply a pair of regular sneakers that provide specific features that help prevent a child from getting on his/her toes.
Shoes for Toe Walking – The Proper Shoe Can Make a World of Difference!
There is only a small selection of shoes that can help children with toe walking, but the good news is that I will help you find them. These are the 5 key features that your kids’ shoes must provide to help prevent your child from walking on his/her toes:
✅ Avoid shoes that are too flexible: Shoes that provide too much flexibility make it easy for your child to get on his/her toes. Make sure that the shoes your child wears are flexible but not too flexible. Your kids’ shoes should always bend at the ball of the foot but no further. Take a look at the image below for clarification:
✅ The shoes must provide a firm heel counter to help align the heel and lower leg:
✅ Look for shoes that provide substantial outsoles instead of a softer and flexible one. Take a look at the image below for clarification:
✅ The shoes need to provide extra depth in case that you need to fit an orthotic inside the shoes:
✅ Look for shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure. Shoelaces provide children with better stability and are more effective in case you need to fit an orthotic inside of the shoes:
I have put together a list of the best shoes that provide these 5 features.
The shoes below can fit children with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide feet (XW). Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Shoes to Stop Toe Walking ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Adjustable double hook and loop closure
- Built-in multi-dimensional orthotic support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Full grain leather upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- TPU heel clip for stability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium feet
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive outsoles with extra cushion
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Don’t attempt to leave too much growing room in your kids’ shoes as this will actually make it easier for them to go on their toes.
How effective these shoes are going to be in preventing your child from walking on his/her toes depends on each child’s individual foot anatomy, as what works effectively for one child might not work as well for another.
Be Aware of Shoes that Are Too Large – Here’s Why!
Shoes that are too large make it easy for children to get on their toes. It’s important that you provide your child with the correct amount of growing room, but too much growing room makes it easier for children to toe walk.
If you are going to order your kids’ shoes online, you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot size. I created another article that helps parents figure out their children’s exact foot size. Go to the link below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
If after trying the shoes I recommend for 6 months your child continues to walk on his/her toes, then I recommend fitting an orthotic inside of the shoes.
Keep in mind that most children who walk on their toes end up wearing an orthotic inside of the shoes, as certain orthotics are extremely effective in preventing children from walking on their toes.
Can Orthotics Help Prevent Kids from Toe Walking?
I have found one specific orthotic that has proven to be extremely effective for children who toe walk, and many families have reported back after trying these orthotics that they make a tremendous difference.
This is the best prefabricated on the market for helping treat, prevent, and control toe walking. The orthotic provides medial and lateral flanges to help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic, and a 30mm heel cup to help control the alignment of the heel and lower leg, and supports the arch.
You Must Enter a Referral Code to Order this Orthotic
To place an order for littleSTEPS® Orthotics, you must submit a Referral Code during the ordering process. Enter the referral code JVFCS100121 in the Discount Window and you will get 10% off your order.
Take a look at the chart below to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size:
This orthotic can be shipped everywhere. Within the USA shipping can take about 10-15 days depending on the location and the shipping method. Overseas shipping is available but will be more expensive. Do not hesitate to contact me directly to my e-mail if you are having a hard time figuring out what size to order or if you have any other questions about this orthotic. My e-mail address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If you want to learn more about the features that this orthotic provides I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
Best Orthotics for Toe Walking – These Shoes and Orthotics Help Prevent Toe Walking!
Shoes for Kids with Toe Walking – My Final Thoughts!
I understand that making a call as a parent about your child isn’t black or white or easy for that matter. It can be difficult to make decisions on your own or go with your gut when you have a pediatrician telling you that your child’s foot condition will resolve on its own.
Don’t let your doctor tell you that the only approach to correct your child’s toe walking is surgery or to put casts on both of your child’s feet. Sometimes doctors recommend casts for as long as 8 weeks. Casting, surgery, and leg braces should only be used as a last resort, and I suggest to always start with the least invasive approach first.
If you want me to provide your child with a foot evaluation please reach out to me at the following email address: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com and answer the questions below:
- Have you been told by your medical professional whether your child’s toe walking is due to a neurological or neuromuscular condition?
- Does your child have flat feet?
- Does your child toe walk more when wearing shoes or when walking barefoot?
- Do you notice more or less toe walking when your child walks on different surfaces such as the beach, grass, hardwood floor, or carpet?
I forgot to mention that physical therapy is another effective approach that can be used to train and motivate families to perform daily stretching of the calf muscle.
Best Kids’ Shoes to Stop Toe Walking – Watch Video!
I created a video that will help you better visualize everything I discussed in this article.
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Wow, I was just talking to my daughter recently and she was asking about the toe walking that my grandson is doing. I had no idea that you could buy special shoes to help correct it. In fact, I was not aware that it could be an actual problem. I thought that children naturally experimented with walking as they did with other things and that he would just outgrow it.
Now that I know, I’ll be forwarding this information on to her to look into further. And I’ll share with other new parents so they can decide for themselves, if the need arises.
Thank you for the great details you provided and the shoe suggestions.
Hi Diane,
In most cases the child outgrows the toe walking condition but in some others they simply do not. That is the reason why I recommend parents to be proactive and don’t wait for the condition to magically disappear.
It is important that you don’t leave your child’s toe walking condition untreated as it can lead to your child developing stiffness, tightening, and pain in their Achilles tendon.
By taking early action you can prevent the child from developing foot, leg, and lower back problems later in life.
I tried the bootie style by Stride Rite and my son started walking heel to toe. I couldn’t believe the difference in the way he was walking.Our pediatrician told us that he will stop eventually stop walking on his toes but it was not happening and we were worried. Thank you Juan this article should be shared as many parents might not know how to help their toe walking children.
Hi Joy,
Sometimes something so simple such as providing children with the correct type of shoes can make a tremendous difference in improving their walking gait. I am glad the shoes worked out for your son’s feet!
hi Joy, can you share some more information please.my hospital is recommending surgery for my daughter but we are not agree with themjyo
Hi,
My son is 16 months and been walking on his toes ever since he started walking. The Orthapeadic assesment gave us a diagnosis that the achilis tendon is still and to conduct physiotherapy. Any shoes that you would recommend to help him come Out of it?
Hello Nadeera,
In order to recommend specific shoes for your son I first need to know whether your son has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also need to know from which country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
If you are unsure of your son’s foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi,
My son is 7 years old and been walking on his toes ever since he started walking. Any shoes that you would recommend to help him …fThanks rom Turkey
Hello Naime,
To recommend specific shoes for your son I first need to know whether your son’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.
Pls I hv two daughters currently walking on there toe pls I need with shoes to help stop them from tic toes
Hello,
Are you able to order the shoes that I recommended on this article? From which country are you contacting me?
Thanks for this article! I just ordered the littlesteps orthodics for my 5 year old whos been toe walking for a year now. It is not terrible, her heal just barely misses the floor but it is toe walking nontheless. It is worse without shoes for sure.
She has spacticity and nothing has helped so far but I am hoping to see results from these inserts.
Thank you for posting about this and for the refferal code!
Hello Rachel,
I am happy to help!
Let us know how the orthotics work out for your daughter. Keep in mind that for your daughter to get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer you must fit them in the correct pair of shoes, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the shoes.
I also suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique: How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
Unfortunately I wasn’t aware that toe walking would become a problem. My son is now 12 years old and I’m taking him to therapy for foot pain and tight Achilles. He wears men’s size 10. Are there any adult shoes you could recommend?
Hello Veronica,
The older the child gets, the harder it gets to treat and prevent toe walking. If you tell me your son’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), and from which country you are contacting me, I am happy to send you specific shoe recommendations.
I also need to know whether your son is wearing orthotics.
We are in the U.S. His foot is medium and no orthotics.
Hello Veronica,
Take a look at my recommendations below:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Make sure that your son’s shoes are properly tied at all times. I suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique: How to Tie Shoes to Prevent Toe Walking – Let’s Help Your Child Walk Heel to Toe
Hi,
I have been trying to find the trainers you suggested for my son but cant find them in the uk. Can you suggest others please?
(Medium foot shape)
Thank you
Hello Christine,
Most of the shoes available in the United States are not available in the United Kingdom. If you tell me your son’s shoe size in the UK I will help you look and send you specific shoe recommendations.
Hi Juan,
Thank you for your reply.
He is size 5.5/EU22
Hello Christine,
I found the two styles below:
Option 1
Option 2
Hi Juan,
Thank you, hopefully the trainers will help him walk correctly
Hello Christine,
They might help as long as your son’s toe walking is due to a neuromuscular condition. Make sure that the shoes are properly tied at all times.
My daughter has been toe walking for about 4 years now, she is 7 and it has gotten to the point where I would buy the shoes mention in the article with the laces and she is still on her toes with her heels out of the shoes. I would tie them as tight as I can but her heel literally does not touch the ground as much as I try to hold it down. She sees a chiropractor 1-2x a week. It even looks like a bone/tendon is poking out but she does not say she’s in pain at all. I have no idea what else to do, it seems like surgery is the next step?
Hello Alexia,
I am sorry to hear that the shoes didn’t work out for your daughter. Do you know whether your daughter is flat footed? Have you considered fitting an orthotic inside of the shoes to see if that makes a difference?
I am not qualified to tell you whether your daughter should get surgery or not, I suggest that you consult with your medical professional to see if that’s the only option at this point.
My son is 15 and wears a men size 11… do you have any suggestions where to find this kind of shoe but in that size?
Hello Chris,
I am happy to help but first I need to know whether your son’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.
Hi, my son is almost 8, and is always on his toes. He started this at 10 months old and doctors said he would out grow it, unfortunately he never did. We have tried hard braces but he says they hurt. And we have tried therapy for sensory issues as well. Can you recommend shoes for him? Im willing to try anything. I saw a link above where you recommended shoes in the US but they looked like they were for men; not children? We are in the US and he has a medium/normal width. I wouldn’t say they are narrow or wide. Thank you so much
Hello,
Can you also tell me what shoe size your son wears? This will help me look for shoes that are available in his size.
Hey there!! My son has been a toe walker since he learned to walk. He is now 8 years old, we did lots of therapy also wore braces and it was corrected. When the pandemic hit he went back to toe walking. My son has a wide foot and wears a size 6. Thank you for any recommendations! Nicole
Hello Nicole,
These are the shoes that I recommend:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Make sure that your son’s shoes are properly tied at all times.
Hello,
My son has a issue of toe walking since 2 years. Now he is 3 & half years old. Our pediatrician told us that toe walking will outgrown with the age but I can not see any improvement. So, can you please suggest the proper shoe for him which would help him best.
We are in USA. His size is regular 10.
Thank you!!!
Hello Bhumi,
Take a look at the options below:
Option 1
Option 2 This is an orthopedic shoe that’s why you see such a big price increase
Option 3
Make sure that your son’s shoes are properly tied at all times so he can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.
Hi there!
Thank you for all of the invaluable information.
I am interested In purchasing the orthotics you mentioned however the code you provided does not work for placing an order as they do not allow consumers to purchase directly-and are exclusive to medical professionals. Do you have another code?
Also, I was hoping you might offer some advice for sizing when using an orthotic.
My daughter is just about to turn 4 years old, and has been toe walking since we can remember. At first, we were told she would outgrow it but more recently I had a hunch there was more to it and I measured in dorsiflexion and she could barely get to 90 degrees. I have been doing physical therapy exercises and stretches daily and she has about 5-10 degrees more past 90degrees but I read for her age she should be up to 22-24 degrees for dorsiflexion.
My question is – do you order a half size or full size up when purchasing an orthotic like the one in your article.
Also, would you suggest she wear shoes inside as well to help her practice keeping her heel down. I do notice her probation and wander if that would be best.
Thank you so much.
Hello Angelica,
The littleSTEPS orthotics that I recommend can be purchased by anyone (not just medical professionals), as long as you enter this referral code in the discount window: JVFCS100121
If you are still having trouble placing the order I suggest that you contact me via email: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
As far as ordering the correct orthotic size, you need to order the size based on your child’s shoe size. If you tell me your daughter’s shoe size I can tell you exactly what orthotic size to order.
I do suggest wearing shoes inside the house to encourage your daughter to walk heel to toe. Make sure that you don’t order the shoes too big as that makes it easier for children to get on their toes.
Hi! Thank you for the quick reply. I will try the code again today.
I measured her according to their Foot chart and she was a solid 1 for one foot and barely a 1 – almost a 2 for the other foot. Maybe a cm away from 2. I was thinking of ordering both a 1 and 2 for the orthotics. Or what would you recommend? She typically wears a 9.5 in gym shoes. What sorts of gym shoes would you recommend? Thank you so much. This has been incredibly helpful.
Hello Angie,
If your daughter wears a shoe size 9.5, I suggest the you order the littleSTEPS orthotics in a size 2.
In order to help prevent your daughter from getting on her toes and treat her overpronation at the same time, I suggest fitting her in shoes that provide supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and the shoes need to be rigid at the front instead of overly flexible.
If you want me to recommend specific shoes for your daughter I first need to know whether her feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide. If you are unsure of your daughter’s foot shape there is a free resource that I created that you can use: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi!
My daughter foot measures at 7cm wide, with her feet being around 16 cm long.
She has pronation as well. Thank you so much
Hello Angelica,
16 centimeters long translate to a shoe size 10 to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
From which country are you contacting me? This will help me determine what specific shoe are available in your area.
Hi! USA, and her feet are slightly under the 16 cm but greater than 15cm. She currently wears a 9.5, as 10’s are too large in sandals and she trips.
Thank you so much for replying so quickly. I truly appreciate this.
Hello Angelica,
Below you can find a list of the shoes that I recommend:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
If you choose a model with laces, make sure that the shoes are properly tied at all times so your daughter can get the full support and stability that the shoes and orthotics have to offer. I suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique: How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
Hi! USA! Thank you. I appreciate all the help.
Hello Angelica,
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Hi good day I sent an email to you sir I hope you can it out. Hope to hear from you soon
Hi sir I sent an email to you I hope you can check it out. Hope to hear from you soon
Hi I sent an email to you sir I hope you can check it. Hope to hear from you soon
Hi my son is 8years old and still walking in his toes. I sent an email to you sir I hope you can check it out. Thank you hope to hear from you soon
Hello Aileen,
I have received your email and already responded. Please check your inbox.
My son is walking on his tip toe walking and running as well.he is 20 months old toddlers.which shoes size is perfect for him
Hello Vasavi,
To recommend specific shoes for your son I first need to know whether he has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
I also would need to know from which country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
Hello Juan, the information you have shared here is amazing. Thank you so kuch for it. My son is 3 and have been tippy toe walking since he started walking at age 1. At present he is a sz 7.5-8 with normal width feet. I’d appreciate any recommendations for sneakers, boots and orthotics. We are in the US.
Hello Melissa,
As far as sneakers are concerned, you should select from the column on the left and choose the medium width.If you scroll down the article you will find the orthotic that I recommend to help treat and prevent toe walking.
If you need a pair of boots, I suggest that you look into this resource: Best Boots to Prevent Toe Walking – Supportive and Rigid at the Front
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I would love to more about the tie walking shoes my grandson is 5 and telling him to get flat on his feet all day is trying-how do I get a pair of these shoes ??
Hello Rebecca,
You can order them online or visit your local shoe store. The specific models that will work best for your grandson depend on his foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide).
Have you already taken your grandson to your medical professional to have him evaluated?