DD (10) has a diagnosis of Autism and is currently being assessed for ADHD. She masks in school but is anxious and can be quite explosive at home.
She has always bitten her nails but this has progressed to the point where she's also biting the skin on the tips of her fingers and her cuticles until they bleed. She will also pick and rip off her toenails until they bleed. She says she doesn't think it's related to anxiety, she does it in bed at night, in the shower, sometimes in class at school. She said she doesn't realise she's doing it until she's done it, and then feels upset with herself.
She is now getting very distressed when it happens, crying and apologising (despite us being clear we aren't cross with her), saying she desperately wants to stop but doesn't know how. I feel so sorry for her but don't know how to help her.
We have tried fidget toys, chew gems, breathing exercises, that stuff you paint your nails with that makes them taste horrible, reward charts, you name it. Nothing has worked.
Her poor hands and toes looks so sore and I worry about the risk of infection.
If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.