@JamieNichollsCampbell-I would love to keep you informed on what we decide and how things are progressing. Since you asked, recently I was told that in 3 weeks, we will come in for the fitting. We as parents only want what is best for the children and given what these kids go through, the last thing we are trying to do is add to their anxiety, so that is why we decided on the brace. The terror on the child's face during one of our first visits was enough for me.

Everyone was scared, but I just felt that if somebody does not speak up about alternative procedures, these experts would talk my daughter or sister into whatever they felt was correct. I am sure they are experts in their field, but I still do not believe that they know more than grandma. I may not be a bone specialist, but I know anxiety and terror when I see it and how is that going to help a 13 year old who has never experienced anything like this before. Research helps. I met other families in the waiting room who's children had on the braces. They are custom made and I say Dora the Explorer logos, Nike logos, Spiderman logos and others on the braces. Looked ok to me.

Thanks for the update @A MyAutismTeam Member.

It gives me some food for thought as well since my son is looking at additional treatment in the fall for his club foot. I would rather him not have a cast either, so he can still take part in his gymnastics class, etc. On the other hand, I worry he might just take the brace off if we go that route. Not to mention the anxiety of having the cast removed. I can't get it through to him that it does not hurt! :P

It would be great to follow up with you to see how the braces work out. Good luck!

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A MyAutis...

My middle wore braces but never cast. Have they mentioned braces. Usually for toe walking they try the braces first. The child has to wear the braces for 4-6 hours a day for several weeks and that can be done at night. It is done to stretch the muscles. Most Dr.s don't resort to casts until the braces have been tried. If they haven't mentioned these you might want to ask.

Did the new doctor say she is walking on her toes because the muscles and tendons are tight?
Or is he just be suggesting casts to help her learn to walk on them normally to avoid long-term damage?

My son was born with a club foot. He had several casts and 2 surgeries by age 2. In the past year or two his foot is starting turn turn inward again and will be getting casted again in the fall. He is 9 now and I didn't think it would be a big deal. Unfortunately he saw a baby getting her cast off and she was freaking out. She was just scared of the sound I think. But he is now terrified of 'the saw'. He is soooo scared of needles it usually takes 4 nurses plus me to hold him down. Now he says he's even more scared of this.
The doctor said we can try a soft cast at first, they unravel instead of having to be sawed off. But he told my son he can't be running around on it because that type isn't meant for a lot of activity.

So, sorry I don't have specific advice for you. It is probably one of those things that is harder for some than others. It's worth a try though, IMO.

Or maybe one she just wears at home if it is embarrassing to her...?

My son broke both bones in his right wrist last Sunday. While he did not like the cast at first, he seems to have adjusted to having it. HIs classmates had a signing party, so they could sign his cast before school let out. He has to have it on for five more weeks and because of that, the doctor gave him a waterproof cast, so he could still go in the pool at camp.