Children who are late to walk may be better students.

The time a child starts walking is not only a normal developmental milestone, but also reflects genetic factors associated with learning ability and the risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Most parents worry when their child is slow to walk - Photo: AI

Genes influence when children learn to walk and their academic performance.

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour, conducted by scientists from the University of Surrey, the University of Essex, and University College London, analyzed genetic data from over 70,000 children. The results showed that the timing of a child's first steps is significantly influenced by genetic factors, accounting for approximately 25% of the differences between children.

Notably, the genes that cause children to walk later in life are also linked to higher academic achievement later in life. The study also found a link between walking later in life and a lower risk of ADHD, a finding that contradicts previously held beliefs.

Professor Angelica Ronald, a psychology and genetics expert at the University of Surrey, stated: "We analyzed thousands of gene variants common in the community. These variants not only affect when children learn to walk, but are also associated with higher educational attainment and a lower risk of behavioral attention disorders such as ADHD. This is the first genetic study of this scale on early developmental behaviors in children."

The research team identified 11 genetic markers that influence when children begin walking, noting that these markers are also linked to the development of the cerebral cortex, the region responsible for thinking, memory, and language.

Children who are slow to walk are not a cause for concern.

Most parents worry when their child is slow to learn to walk. Children typically learn to walk between 8 and 24 months of age, with most able to walk independently by 18 months. However, according to scientists, this is only a guideline, as each child develops at their own pace.

Dr. Anna Gui, a researcher at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Birkbeck University London, shared:

"Until now, we haven't fully understood why there are such significant differences in when children learn to walk. This research suggests that genes play a major role, which could help alleviate parents' concerns if their child walks later than their peers."

Besides genetics, other factors such as overall health, leg muscle strength, and opportunities for walking practice also contribute to when a child starts walking - Photo: AI

Experts recommend that if a child is still not standing or walking by 18 months of age, parents should take the child to a doctor for a comprehensive assessment. However, if the child is developing well at other milestones such as cognitive, language, and motor skills, then a slightly delayed walking development is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Professor Ronald stated: "Taking the first step is one of the most important milestones in a child's life. The discovery of genes related to this behavior opens up opportunities for a deeper understanding of the link between physical and intellectual development."

Clearly, the research has opened up a new perspective on motor development in young children, showing that delayed walking may be an indicator of intellectual potential rather than a negative thing as many people mistakenly believe.

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tre-cham-biet-di-co-the-hoc-gioi-hon-nguy-co-mac-adhd-thap-hon-20250507160853759.htm