If you’re reading this, you may be struggling with someone who is chewing everything. And it could be all the time. We’re human, and it’s ok if you’re starting to feel worn out. Until your child wants to chew everything in sight, you don’t realise how tiring it is.
Your child could be chewing anything around them. They could be chewing hair, clothes, bottles, furniture and even a cat’s tail! But, try to see if there’s something behind him. Truth is, there’s usually a sensory aspect. Today we’re going to discuss some of the ways that we have used. And also some of the ways we’ve been told to try and help combat chewing.
First Step
First, you need to try to work out why your child is chewing. Is it sensory or behaviour? Or, is it medical? Are they teething? If your child is teething, then chewing is most likely helping them to relieve some pain and discomfort. But, if your child definitely isn’t teething, you need to look for other reasons why.
You may have heard of Sensory Processing Disorder. This is where the individual finds it difficult to take in, understand and process sensory information from outside stimuli. This can go in 2 ways – they can feel under stimulated or can they be over stimulated.
The chewing might help give them a sensation that they like. But, chewing certain items can cause health risks. Especially if anything is accidentally swallowed. So, we need to do our best to give them this sensation with something safe or replacing it.
Another reason for the chewing can also be down to them having to have something in their mouth. It may be they need to have something in there and to be doing something with their mouth.
So, what can you try? There’s some ideas below.
- Blow through a straw – you can even do blow painting.
- Blow bubbles.
- Paint with a paintbrush in your mouth.
- Chew toys.
- Chew jewellery – chewy necklaces etc.
- Chewy tubes.
- Feeders – you know like the ones you put something in for babies to suck? Those have worked well in the past for us.
- Bubblegum.
- Chewy pencil toppers – while using pencil to work with.
- Cuff covers – designed to stop the individual from chewing sleeves.
- Chewy foods. Items like granola, chewy sweets, popcorn, dried cereal and carrots. Try things that gets them really chewing and using their mouth. Another popular thing to try is gob stoppers. Where the child can constantly be sucking or chewing.
Stimming
Chewing can also be a form of stimming. Many of our children may flap their hands or spin around when they are stimming. But, stimming can present itself in different ways. So, don’t assume that stimming is just hand flapping or spinning. Your child may be finding comfort from their chewing.
How Can I Manage This?
Look at purchasing safe chewing items. There are many items available now that are perfect for sensory seekers. They come in all styles and sizes too – so they can be used by any age.
Triggers
Try to pain attention to your child prior to when they chew. Look for any similarities in triggers. Is it done out of boredom when they’re watching tv? Or is it when something is about to happen – like going to school. Is it when a certain person is near them? Your child may be chewing to help relieve anxiety and this can be for so many reasons.
Support
- Speak to your child’s teacher or classroom staff. Ask if they are noticing the chewing at school too. You can ask them to document the chewing and see if they notice any triggers too. On top of all this, they may also be able to help provide you with some support, resources and training.
- Join local autism support groups. The National Autistic Society have groups set up in most cities now. They often provide training sessions and support group meetings for families and parents. These are a great way for you to get to know other parents. You’ll be able to build relationships and reach out for help on different issues.
- Facebook. I know, Facebook does have a bad name at times. But, some of the support groups on Facebook are the best around. You have parents of autistic children all around the world there to help anyone out. They’re happy to share advice and tips that have worked for them.
- Look into training courses on sensory seeking.
- Speak to your GP or paediatrician. Have them give your child a check up and see if they can offer any advice – or a referral.
- Try safe, chewy alternatives.
- Social stories are a great visual strategy. We have had great success with this one. It teaches readers what we should – and shouldn’t – put in our mouth.
