Playing with his tongue/licking hands!

[debs40]

I just wanted to run something past you guys.

You might remember that I'm waiting for a referral to the community paed for ds.

He has been pretty stressed about school this week. It's probably been all the change with the weather and having a day off with the snow. Plus, his regular teacher, who is deputy head, is now standing in for the head who is off to be acting head at a local school 'in trouble'.

He has started to play with his tongue alot and lick his hands. He says his hands feel sticky. I stroke them and they're fine but we go and wash them together.

Do you think this is just a stress/anxiety response?

He seems very worried about the teacher 'shouting' at the moment. Not at him but at other children. I know if I use a firm tone at home he really panics, and I think there may be a bit of stress at school as the changes take place. His teacher is known as a bit of a shouter which I always find a bit unnecessary.

Any thoughts about managing this?

my ds does this also always licking fingers etc its defiantly anxiety as when his ok he doesn't do it when something happens or his anxious fingers back in mouth etc

i guess reassurance tell him maybe teacher has loud voice to be heard not telling people off see if maybe he can understand this unless teacher is really shouting at a child then id be concerned as my ds wouldn't cope with that either he can be ok if you say they just have loud voice but i guess there is a difference in tone

Ds1 does this a lot. I think it could be stress but it's also a sensory thing for him. he is a Sensory Seeker, particularly orally. He also used to chew on his sleeves a lot but not so much lately. There are "chewy" necklaces and bracelets that you can buy or make that may help. I tried one but ds1 didn't really go for it. I've also read that some kids respond to chewing gum - unfortunatley ds1 just swallows it after a few chews!

My Ds also licks his hands loads and other things do he also grinds his teeth and loves to chew things so I thinks it sensory seeking with him.

My ds has started sticking his tongue out to the side (hope that makes sense) when he is nervous. He is doing it so much, he has become chapped

My 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder about a year ago. We had her in therapy for a while and she did very well. Recently we have noticed some odd behaviors. She licks her fingers then wipes both eyes and cheeks, almost like a cat cleaning himself (we do not have any cats) Has anyone experienced this?

My ds2 has sensory issues with his mouth/tongue as well. He does tend to do it more in social surroundings, so perhaps your ds is finding the whole teacher/busy classroom thing a bit too much for him?