Chewing issues are a common but often overlooked challenge for children with autism. Many parents notice their child chewing on clothes, toys, pencils, or even non-food items, and they may struggle to understand why it happens or how to manage it. Sensory sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and even reactions to certain ingredients like artificial colors can contribute to this behavior.
For some children, chewing is a way to cope with sensory sensitivities, while for others, it may be linked to anxiety, oral motor difficulties, or even dietary preferences.
Understanding the reasons behind these behaviors is essential for finding effective solutions that can help a child feel comfortable and safe while meeting their developmental needs.
Why Do Children with Autism Have Chewing Issues?
There is no single reason why a child with autism may engage in excessive chewing. Instead, multiple factors can contribute to this behavior, often interacting in complex ways.
One of the most common reasons is sensory processing differences.
The mouth is filled with nerve endings, and chewing provides deep pressure stimulation that some children find soothing. When a child experiences the world differently due to sensory processing challenges, chewing can help them regulate their sensory input, much like stimming behaviors such as hand-flapping or rocking.
Some children are hyposensitive, meaning they do not receive enough sensory input, and chewing helps them feel more connected to their bodies. Others may be hypersensitive, and chewing may help them cope with overwhelming sensations.
Another factor is oral motor development. Some children with autism have difficulty with the coordination and strength of their jaw muscles. If their oral motor skills are not well developed, they may have trouble chewing food properly, leading them to prefer soft foods or chew on non-food objects to strengthen their muscles.
Weak oral motor skills can also affect speech development, which is why speech-language pathologists sometimes use chewing exercises as part of therapy.
Anxiety and self-regulation also play a significant role. Many children with autism struggle with anxiety due to difficulties with communication, social interactions, and sensory overload.
Chewing can serve as a coping mechanism, much like how neurotypical individuals might bite their nails or chew gum when nervous. The repetitive motion of chewing provides comfort and a sense of control, helping the child manage stress in overwhelming situations.
Additionally, some children may chew due to dietary preferences and feeding difficulties. Children with autism often have strong food preferences based on texture, color, or smell, and they may have food aversions, especially those that require extensive chewing.
If a child prefers only soft foods, they may not get enough natural chewing practice during meals, which could increase their tendency to chew on non-food items.
How Chewing Issues Affect Daily Life
For many families, excessive chewing can create challenges in different aspects of life. Clothing is one of the most common targets, and parents often notice their child chewing on shirt collars, sleeves, or even blankets. This can lead to ruined clothing, frequent replacements, and hygiene concerns.
Some children chew on their pencils or erasers at school, which can be distracting in a classroom setting and make it difficult to focus on learning. Others may put unsafe objects in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking or ingesting harmful substances.
Chewing can also impact eating habits. If a child avoids chewing-intensive foods, they might have a limited diet that lacks important nutrients.
Some children may struggle with transitioning to solid foods or refuse certain textures, making mealtimes stressful for both the child and their caregivers.
In social situations, excessive chewing may draw attention from peers, leading to misunderstandings or teasing. Other children may not understand why a child is always chewing on objects, and this can create barriers to friendships and social acceptance.
Strategies to Manage Chewing Issues
While chewing can be a challenge, there are many ways to help a child meet their sensory needs in a safe and appropriate manner. Some of the most effective strategies include the following:
When to Seek Professional Help
While some chewing behaviors are typical and manageable at home, there are times when professional support may be necessary. If a child is chewing excessively to the point of harming themselves (such as biting their hands or chewing their lips until they bleed), if they are frequently chewing on dangerous objects, or if their chewing habits interfere significantly with eating and nutrition, it may be time to consult an expert.
A pediatric occupational therapist can assess sensory processing challenges and recommend strategies tailored to the child’s needs. A speech therapist may evaluate oral motor skills and suggest exercises to strengthen the jaw and tongue.
If anxiety is a major factor, working with a psychologist or behavioral therapist can help address underlying emotional concerns.
Final Thoughts
Chewing issues in children with autism can be complex, but understanding the underlying causes can help parents and caregivers support their children more effectively.
Whether it’s sensory processing differences, anxiety, oral motor development, or a combination of factors, each child is unique, and finding the right solutions may require some trial and error.
Offering safe alternatives, adjusting the diet, addressing sensory needs, and seeking professional guidance when necessary allow families to help their child manage chewing behaviors in a way that is healthy, safe, and supportive. At Golden Care Therapy, we provide high-quality ABA therapy in Georgia, New Jersey, Indiana, New York, and Florida, helping children develop essential skills in a compassionate and structured environment.
We have an experienced team to tailor each program to fit your child’s unique needs, ensuring meaningful progress. Contact us today to learn how we can support your family!
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