8 yr old chewing everything!

[StorminaBcup]

Hope this is the right place to post. My 8 yr old has always chewed things, was incredibly dribbley as a baby, bites his nails and chews anything and everything (rubbers, pencils, clothing, the TV remote…). I’ve been reading up on sensory processing disorder, does anyone have any experience of this? He’s chewing through clothing and it’s becoming expensive having to buy replacements. He’s a bright child (normal not exceeding), no delayed development, is due to see the dentist next week (has a Gemini front tooth that isn’t showing signs of falling out), but does have a cough / tic which started in lockdown and I think is anxiety related (chewing pre-dates this). I’ve read occupational therapists may be able to help? Would be grateful for any knowledge or advice.

You can buy ‘chewelry’ / chew buddy toys specifically for him to chew on.

Does he have any other sensory related issues?

Some links for you.

www.griffinot.com/child-oral-sensory-seeking/

www.arktherapeutic.com/blog/10-tips-for-kids-who-need-to-chew-an-oral-sensory-diet/

www.nhsaaa.net/media/10046/ot19-002-gd-oral-motor-skills.pdf

There are some good sensory processing books you can buy, I got mine from Amazon.

The out of sync child.

Raising a sensory smart child.

Understanding your child’s sensory signals.

Does he chew chewing gum? Eat lots of crunchy foods?

yourkidstable.com/oral-sensory-processing/

Look up proprioceptive activities.

Thanks for replying. He does like chewing gum but he doesn’t have it all of the time, not particularly fussy with food textures, didn’t think he had other sensory issues but have just remembered as a child he would be incredibly fussy with his clothes (textures). He had middle ear hearing loss but it seems to have corrected itself and he’s been signed off earlier this year.

Thanks for the links, will have a look at the chewerly and the books. Do you think it can just be a sensory input issue, as in it doesn’t have to be linked to any other disorders? He doesn’t seem to have any other issues I can see at the moment.

@danni0509
Look up proprioceptive activities

Perfect - that’s exactly how he is. Under processing seems to be the issue then. Thank you.

Check for anaemia - that could be causing the chewing.

Thanks @NoJuliana will keep an eye on that too. His diet seems ok and he takes a multi-vit but good to know that could be a factor.

My son has sensory processing disorder if I can help at all? X

@Newuser82 I’ll accept any help or advice if you’re happy to offer any. I have a habit of downplaying things so just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing and not missing anything. I’ve had a look at the sensory referral pathway criteria and he does meet some if it but I’m not sure there’s much impact on day to day functioning at the moment and I don’t want to push it as I think it’ll make him anxious. What’s your experience of this? Is there anything I should be looking out for?

So my son chewed everything from an early age. He didn’t like loud noises or busy places. He also was fussy with textures of clothing and labels. He was/is very figity and struggles to sit still, especially in busy/ noisy environments which we were told is common as they are trying to regulate themselves. Advice was to do lots of ‘heavy work’ such as climbing, lifting, carrying heavy objects. Use backpacks for them to carry. Hard food for them to chew, blow through straws, bounce on trampoline. We were told symptoms should fade as he gets older. We used chewlrey , pencil toppers that kind of thing. He got the diagnosis along with dyspraxia from an occupational therapy centre. Anything more that I can answer/help with just shout.

Thanks @Newuser82 that’s really helpful, I’m glad you’ve managed to get some great strategies to help your son. Good news is, we have a trampoline, he has his own backpack and is really active (enjoys lots of sports). Have ordered some chewlrey so will look out for the pencil toppers too. I’m pretty sure it’s not related to dyspraxia / ASD but I am wondering about ADD (he’s not hyperactive) as he’s a complete daydreamer, zones out, difficult to focus and stay on task, forgetful but has met all of his targets in recent assessments. Hard to tell if he’s just a normal 8 yr old or if there’s something more going on.
Do you mind me asking what prompted you to have your son assessed and how easy it was to get on the pathway? Tempted to have chat with the school SENCO / his teacher and see what they think.

@StorminaBcup

Thanks *@Newuser82* that’s really helpful, I’m glad you’ve managed to get some great strategies to help your son. Good news is, we have a trampoline, he has his own backpack and is really active (enjoys lots of sports). Have ordered some chewlrey so will look out for the pencil toppers too. I’m pretty sure it’s not related to dyspraxia / ASD but I am wondering about ADD (he’s not hyperactive) as he’s a complete daydreamer, zones out, difficult to focus and stay on task, forgetful but has met all of his targets in recent assessments. Hard to tell if he’s just a normal 8 yr old or if there’s something more going on. Do you mind me asking what prompted you to have your son assessed and how easy it was to get on the pathway? Tempted to have chat with the school SENCO / his teacher and see what they think.

So he was actually diagnosed with sensory processing disorder in addition to dyspraxia which is what was initially flagged up with poor handwriting, lack of balance, coordination issues. He has trouble concentrating sometimes although does very well at school and can forget what he is doing a lot of the time. His organisation skills are also poor. We got him assessed privately and received a diagnosis straight away x

Oh and to be fair it was us that pushed the issue as the school was fairly relaxed about it all (bar the handwriting) but we knew there was something not quite right with him.

Thank you @Newuser82 that’s really helpful to know, appreciate you taking the time to reply.

No problem. Also may be worth mentioning in case your son is similar. My son doesn’t realise if he has a dirty face, like food on him or whatever although they can be the other way and hate being messy. Our son gets hyper when he is tired, really figity and wild 😂. The occupational therapists said it was because they have to work so hard to regulate themselves when tired that’s what all the movement is about. Trying to calm themselves down. A bit sad really. He is so much better now though so if your son does have it hopefully should follow the same way. Good luck. X

Oh yes the tired and wired zone 😩 he sets off his younger brother so bedtimes are really really rigid now otherwise they descend into carnage 🤪 😂
Thanks so much, will monitor over the coming months and see where we are. It’s a tough call as he’s also anxious with a school change from infant to junior so perhaps things may settle……or I’ll end up bankrupt from replacing chewed clothes and remote controls

Thanks again

Hope so. Best of luck!

Yes my son has SPD which was diagnosed alongside his autism. We've had a good while to find ways to manage. When he was younger I found towelling wrist bands a good shout for chewing and he now has a Chewigem. There are lots of products online. You may find other things fall into place now you recognise that particular symptom.

Thank you @TheFormidableMrsC I’ve ordered some, will see how we go and hopefully this will help him redirect his chewing habits! I’m glad you’ve found some good strategies to help your son.