Children who are late to walk may do better in school.

Most parents worry when their children are slow to walk - Photo: AI

Genes influence when children walk and academic performance

The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour by scientists from the University of Surrey, the University of Essex and the University of London, analysed genetic data from more than 70,000 children. The results showed that the timing of walking is significantly influenced by genetic factors, accounting for about 25% of the variation between children.

Notably, genes that cause late walking are also linked to higher academic achievement later in life. The study also found a link between late walking and a lower risk of ADHD, a finding that goes against the prevailing view.

Professor Angelica Ronald, a psychologist and geneticist at the University of Surrey, said: "We analysed thousands of genetic variants that are common in the community. These variants not only influence when children walk, but are also associated with higher educational attainment and a lower risk of attention and behavioural problems such as ADHD. This is the first genetic study of this scale on early behavioural development in children."

The team identified 11 genetic markers that influence when children start walking, and noted that these markers are also related to the development of the cerebral cortex, the area responsible for thinking, memory and language.

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

Most parents worry when their child is slow to walk. Children usually start walking between 8 and 24 months of age, with most being able to walk by 18 months. However, according to scientists, this is only a reference point, because each child has his or her own development process.

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

"Until now, we have not fully understood why there is such a large variation between children in the timing of walking. This study shows that genes play a big role, which may help parents feel less worried if their child walks later than their peers."

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

Experts recommend that if a child is 18 months old and still shows no signs of standing or walking on their own, parents should take the child to see a doctor for a comprehensive assessment. However, if the child is still developing well in other milestones such as cognition, language, motor skills, etc., then walking a little late is not necessarily a worrying sign.

"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 the opportunity to better understand the link between physical and intellectual development," said Professor Ronald.

Clearly, the study has opened up a new perspective on motor development in young children, showing that late walking may be a sign of intellectual potential, not 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