Many parents of autistic children find themselves concerned about their child’s tendency to chew on everything from toys and clothes to pencils and even inedible objects. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Chewing problems are a common issue for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism and oral fixation are intricately linked through a condition called sensory processing disorder. This disorder affects how the brain interprets information received from the senses, including touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. For autistic individuals, excessive chewing can be a way to manage anxiety and overwhelming sensory input.
Oral fixation is a natural behavior in babies as they explore the world around them. They use their mouths to learn about textures, shapes, and tastes. However, for most children, this behavior fades as they develop other coping mechanisms. In autistic individuals, though, oral fixation may persist due to sensory processing differences.
The act of chewing provides autistic individuals with several sensory benefits. It can offer:
Chewing on objects is just one of the ways autistic individuals might exhibit oral fixation. Other forms of oral stimming include:
Does your child seem to find everything from their clothes to their hair irresistible chew toys? While this behavior can be frustrating and lead to damaged belongings, it’s important to understand the reasons behind it. Here are five key reasons why your child might be chewing on everything, along with some tips to help them find more appropriate outlets.
Chewing can provide much-needed sensory input for some children, particularly those with sensory processing difficulties. The act of chewing offers both proprioceptive and oral sensory stimulation. Proprioception refers to the sensory information we get from our muscles. Chewing activates these receptors in the jaw, providing a grounding effect for the nervous system.
Sometimes, chewing becomes a mindless habit to occupy a bored child’s mouth and hands. If your child isn’t engaged in stimulating activities, they might resort to chewing on whatever is readily available.
Chewing can be a self-soothing behavior for children experiencing anxiety or stress. Similar to how some people fidget or tap their feet when anxious, chewing can offer a physical outlet to release tension and provide a sense of comfort. The act of chewing might also serve as a distraction, helping a child focus on the physical sensation rather than their anxious thoughts.
While oral fixation is normal in young children, it’s important to redirect the behavior towards safe alternatives like chew toys to avoid potential dental problems or the ingestion of harmful objects. If the behavior persists and interferes with daily life, consulting a healthcare provider or therapist can be beneficial.
It’s important to consider your child’s age. Chewing on non-food items is more common in younger children and can be a normal part of exploration and development. Babies learn about their surroundings through their mouths in a process called oral exploration.
As toddlers and young children continue to explore, they might put non-food objects in their mouths, but this usually subsides by age 2 or 3. However, a persistent urge to eat or chew non-food items could be a sign of pica, a disorder requiring medical evaluation.
One option is offering chewable items that are specifically designed for this purpose. These come in various textures and shapes, catering to different sensory needs. They offer the desired stimulation while being safe and washable. However, some children might feel self-conscious using these in social settings, highlighting their differences.
Another approach involves chewable gum or hard candy. This can be particularly helpful in school environments as it’s a discreet way to meet sensory needs. However, the constant sugar intake from sweetened options or the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners pose a dilemma.
Communication and collaboration are key. Discuss your child’s needs with their teachers and explore options together. Can they chew gum during specific times, like during transitions or tests, to maintain focus? Are there discreet chew toys they can keep at their desk for use when needed?
Redirection is another important strategy. Identify triggers for the chewing behavior and have safe alternatives readily available. Offer crunchy snacks like carrots or pretzels, chewy treats like granola bars, or a food-safe straw for drinks. Visual cues, like a picture of a chewable necklace or a closed mouth, can discreetly remind your child of safe options, especially in the classroom.
Positive reinforcement also plays a crucial role. When your child chooses a safe alternative to chew on, praise them or offer a small reward. This encourages them to continue making positive choices. A timer and token board system can be helpful, where your child earns tokens for extended periods of not chewing on inappropriate objects and can later exchange them for a reward.
Remember, patience and understanding are essential. Chewing may be a way for your child to cope with stress or sensory overload. By working together with your child’s healthcare professional, teachers, and yourself, you can develop a plan that addresses their specific needs and helps them find safe and appropriate ways to meet their sensory cravings.
Rainbow ABA is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, with locations across New Jersey, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas. Our experienced therapists can work with you and your child to develop a customized treatment plan to address oral fixation and other autism-related challenges.
Contact us today to learn more about how Rainbow ABA can help your child thrive!
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