Sensory (asd) the more subtle signs of needing to chew?

[Blossom4538]

Hi all,

Dd seems to have developed an obsession with constantly eating and drinking. I can’t tell if it’s just a habit or it’s oral sensory seeking or confort.

Today also, when she was really upset by a noise (dog barking in home we visited) - she buried her head into me, was tearful and started chewing my jumper. She then went mute for the remainder of the time, only whispering to me (has Selective Mutism). 😥

She is gaining weight and we do give healthy food too. We all started exercising together also!

It does sound like a sensory comfort, doesn't it? Look online for chewellery or chewelry it comes in loads of different shapes and textures (and spellings!)

If she's happy with that instead of extra food and drink, then it will answer your question.

Years ago our OT suggested chewing gum to help strengthen the muscles for speech, would that be another option as long as your dd isn't too young/you don't like it? I wasn't keen and neither was DD, so it never happened, it could well be outdated now.

We did use chewing gum a while ago when she was really worked up and it certainly helped! We still give it to her when needed and sometimes she asks.

Thank you, I might look into getting a chewellery item. She has a friend who needs it all the time and I don’t think our dd does, but perhaps good to have to hand x