Chew toys

[senhen]

My DS is in year 2 and currently waiting for assessment for asd and adhd. He has a real thing about chewing, he has so many holes in his clothes from chewing them. So I bought him a chewing toy to at least save the expense of constant new clothes. He has now constantly got his chew in his mouth, it does seem to help him though especially when he is feeling really unregulated. A few people have commented that he is too obsessed with his chew and school have actually asked for him not to have it. However I feel that it is only more obvious now because he's got an actual item in his hand all the time whereas I don't think they noticed as much when it was his clothes. It helps him to concentrate and sit still. I also think it's being used more at the moment because he's is so over stimulated due to the change of routine at this time of year. Should I take it off him if he is having it too much or should I just let him be?

Anyone?

Hello. Maybe ask the school first why they would prefer him not to have it. Also ask them what other adjustments they have tried to help him regulate and maintain focus. Maybe an OT referral could help with this too, as they can assess and suggest other self regulation options to school. Maybe the chew buddy is too distracting or becoming unhygienic at school.
There are also some other discreet chewellry or pencil type chews to explore, or providing sensory snacks, or try following a sensory diet - which aims at a whole day approach to self regulation.