Exploring objects with the mouth is normal during the first years of life. Even as adults, we put things in our mouths to help regulate our nervous system and sometimes, calm anxiety.
Is it a problem for a child with ASD to bite objects or their hands?
The problem arises when the behavior interferes with functional performance, that is, with the autonomy to carry out daily life activities.
Especially in the case of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we observe that they suck on sleeves, backpack straps, shirt collars, patio stones, chew on pencils or erasers, bite their nails almost completely, bite themselves (arms or hands), put stones or dry leaves from the patio in their mouths, etc. Evidently, besides not being functional, this could become dangerous for them.
Reasons why a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder bites
The explanation for why this occurs has several aspects. With proper training in Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will know that they may have these sensory-seeking behaviors in an attempt to “feel their mouth” or they may need “to do something” to maintain their alertness level, that is, they may be trying to self-regulate, to find sensory balance. The issue is that they are not seeking it in a functional way, so first we need to find out if something is causing the child anxiety. The following should be taken into account:
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- Verify the existence of physical pain: we must ensure that the child is not biting because they feel pain in their mouth. The pain can be in the mouth or jaw. Signs and symptoms of pain include redness, excessive drooling, or bleeding gums, so it is important to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or dentist to rule out physical causes.
- Consider the environment: the environment plays an important role in the behavior of children with autism. Avoiding circumstances that are very difficult for him can reduce the likelihood of biting. In this regard, the National Autistic Society recommends that parents reduce stimuli, take their child to a quiet environment that allows them to relax, and follow a routine and schedule when possible.
Strategies to minimize biting behaviors
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- Encourage other communication methods: since they may have difficulty communicating, biting can be a way to try to get your attention. They may use biting to signal problems with physical pain, express themselves emotionally, or be trying to say they want something. Parents need to explain why biting is not appropriate and provide alternative methods for the child to express themselves. These communication methods include sign language and the Picture Exchange Communication System, which allows a child with autism to initiate interaction by using a representative image instead of words.
- Increase sensory opportunity: biting provides sensory input that many children with autism need regularly, so it is best to provide children with safe items to chew on to achieve the desired sensory input. According to National Autistic Society, chew tubes, made of non-toxic materials, have been shown to have a calming effect and reduce stress in children with autism.
- Other exploration alternatives: activities that include blowing and/or applying pressure with the mouth can be promoted, such as playing with bubbles, playing musical instruments: flutes, harmonicas, etc., inflating balloons, drawing with pens that paint (airbrush type) when blown, blowing gum bubbles, playing to blow out candles.
ISEP offers the Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder to achieve early detection of autism and apply intervention elements that reduce distress in the daily lives of people with ASD and their families. The Master’s in Autism will allow you to work with children with this disorder effectively and comprehensively.