Hi, my autistic son has started to chew his clothing and hair. He did it till 5, stopped for 3 years and is now doing it again. It makes his hair smell and if tied up he will just chew his clothes instead. I'm looking for recommendations on something else I can buy for him to chew on. So many online options I don't know what to try and what will be safe. Maybe something that clips onto clothing instead of going around his neck. What tried and tested ones have you tried for your kids?
4 Replies
You are best to speak to an OT they can suggest specific ones based on your sons sensory profile etc. they will also know what’s safe and good quality.
You can search online for a chewy toy for kids :) very safe and we use them and recommend them for autistic kids at the ECDP I work at
First cut his hair or pull it pack out of reach.
And I agree speak to his OT or behavioural psychologist. If this behaviour had stopped for a significant amount of time and had restarted I’d be looking for reasons this may have happened. Anxiety related, happening at certain times?, can you redirect behaviour before it starts, or direct into a more appropriate task (fidget toy etc).
Maybe even a ABA therapist might be helpful
We just had to keep trying stuff until we found the right chewy for our 3 kids. One likes silicone chew necklaces, one likes water filled teething rings and one likes paracord bracelets. We went through so many different options, it was exhausting! I've found that they chew more when feeling anxious. Have you looked at his ability to cope with difficult situations?