Sensory seeking AuDHD 7yo needs to chew all the time

[readingmakesmehappy]

DS is always putting things in his mouth, seeking sensory feedback from things in his mouth. His clothes all have holes at the collar and sleeve because he chews on them, he's broken toys, the remote control, water bottles and more because he can't resist chewing on them.
He likes the feeling of fabric so I bought him some cotton handkerchiefs which he likes but keeps losing. He bites through the chew necklaces pretty fast and we've got through so many (again, he loses these all the time). I give him crunchy snacks like red pepper and carrot, which keeps him occupied for a bit of time, as do ice cubes and frozen smoothies.
Has anyone found any particularly good chew toys or other solutions? I'm so fed up of mending clothes and having to buy new things when he's chewed through them.

Chew choobz snood - Etsy

I know someone who made their own fabric chew bracelets out of old clothes. Then it didn’t matter that they didn’t last long.

Has DS had a sensory OT assessment?

How are his anxiety levels generally? Many find sensory difficulties become more pronounced when their general anxiety levels are high.

These look ideal and the reviews suggest parents who've had the same issues find them helpful. Thank you!

He's had a couple of OT assessments but I don't think they were sensory focussed. School are v good at thinking creatively about sensory environment.

I thought it was anxiety driven but not all of it is - he will suck on his t shirts when he's watching his favourite tv programme or reading.

A sensory OT assessment and then further sensory OT input will help.

Not all ICBs commission sensory OT on the NHS. It is worth checking if your area does. If DS has an EHCP, sensory OT can be part of that even if it isn’t available via your local NHS. And some go private if they can afford it/can find a charity grant.

Background anxiety levels can still be high when doing something you enjoy. I’m not saying anxiety is the cause, the sole reason or that it applies to all so it may not apply to you, just that many find coping with their sensory difficulties is exacerbated by general anxiety/dysregulation levels.