To worry why my 3.5 year old is doing this?

32 replies

SpongeCake23 · 12/05/2022 09:38

My 3.5 year old is constantly putting things into his mouth. Playdough, sand, paper, the list goes on.

His nursery teacher brought it up to me this morning at drop off and said she thinks it could be a sensory issue.

I’m just wondering if anyone else has a child who is the same? And if they grew out of it.

He’s recently got funny about eating certain foods too, he’s always been a fussy/picky eater but he is becoming much worse. He’ll run food items on his mouth before actually putting it in.

Which seems strange to me as he’s so happy to eat playdough and sand etc without hesitation!

We have recently taken his dummy off him during the day and he only has it at night time now. So that could be part of the issue maybe?

I remember chewing on things as a child and eating paper, tissue etc. I still chew on my clothes when I’m anxious. I suspect I’m possibly ADHD, maybe ASD, but no diagnosis for me yet. I don’t think I’m ‘severe’ enough. I’m definitely neurodivergent though, so maybe he is too?

Should I be concerned the teacher spoke to me about it? I am assuming they have concerns. He’s only been there three weeks so far. She’s also commented on how he’s very ‘physical’ with the other children too. But he’s quite advanced in terms of his learning.

OP posts:

JemimaTiggywinkle · 12/05/2022 09:54

ChickensandCows · 12/05/2022 09:43

Sounds to me like you're reflecting your potential feelings about your own neurodiversity towards your son. Let him be, give him time to grow. If he's still doing this when he goes to school then maybe consider exploring options.

I agree with this one. If this is the only thing that’s leading you believe he may not be neurotypical then try not to jump to conclusions.

As a child I used to chew on paper and chalk, I just loved the taste. I’m very neurotypical. Children do odd things sometimes.

HoppingPavlova · 12/05/2022 09:52

Hard to say on the surface. I have one who has ASD/ADHD and they hated anything in their mouth when little. They would have died rather than putting any of that in their mouth. It was ‘known’ food they accepted only. Same for their hands, they couldn’t stand paint or food or sand or anything on their their hands so no messy food time or indeed any messy play for them when young! Silver linings😁. Got a hell of a shock when I had NT kids.

User310 · 12/05/2022 09:50

My step daughter is like that with food. She has just been diagnosed ASD at 8 years old.

I do know another little girl who does this though and she has sensory processing disorder.

obviously may not be either of these and he may just like to put things in his mouth.

.. parenting is a flipping minefield, always something to worry about!

Mabelface · 12/05/2022 09:44

Mate, I appear as a fully functioning human being to those that don't know me. I was diagnosed age 50 for asd and I've started the adhd process. I scored highly and am very likely to get a diagnosis, so you don't need to be "severe".

Your son is a sensory seeker. He could be neurodiverse or may not be, but if nursery have raised concerns, go with it as it means support for him.

ChickensandCows · 12/05/2022 09:43

TheFormidableMrsC · 12/05/2022 09:43

He sounds very much like my son who is autistic and more recently diagnosed with ADHD. He has sensory processing disorder. I would take it as a good thing this has been picked up early. I would see your GP or HV and ask for a referral for assessment. Wait lists are long but early intervention is absolutely the best way forward.

Techno56 · 12/05/2022 09:41

I would ask for a referral to paediatric occupational therapy and go from there. It may be something they grow out of, it may not, but either way the OTs will investigate and have lots of useful advice including further referrals if needed.

While you wait, you could get your son some safe sensory chew toys, Google for lots of options.

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