Children and adults with and without special needs (such as an autism spectrum disorders) often put objects in their mouths for oral motor stimulation. Sometimes, the objects are their own hand- and that can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Let’s take a look at some strategies that may reduce putting non-edible objects in the mouth (this is called “pica”). Remember that you, the parent, teacher or therapist must assess safety for the individual because what is safe for one person may not be safe for another….
- Provide lots of deep pressure around the mouth by pressing a wash cloth on top, bottom, sides, working your way around the mouth. Gage how much pressure to use based on response.
- Offer small pieces of crunchy foods such as cereal or cracker pieces. Crunch foods provide proprioceptive stimulation that often meets sensory needs.
- Offer a thickened drink inside a cup with straw so that the person must use force to suck the liquid out. Try apple sauce added to fruit drinks or yogurt added to milk shakes.
- Offer blow toys that use the peri-oral muscles- such as a kazoo, harmonica, toy , blowing bubbles.
- Some individuals munch on their collar or sleeves to receive that sensory stimulation. Tying a scarf around the neck or sewn onto clothing may offer a safe alternative to destroying clothing. But, you need to determine what is safe for your individual.
- There are many oral motor products such as chewies or teething rings that provide alternatives to chewing clothing or hands. My favorite are the teething rings that vibrate. However, what is sold as safe for a teething baby may not be safe for a developmentally disabled, strong, 15 year old who might chew it into pieces that create a choking hazard. Motorized toothbrushes sold for children are pretty sturdy, but you may need to remove the brush end that can break off. I have used trial and error a lot over my 40 years of occupational therapy practice and each individual presents a stimulating challenge- to both meet sensory needs and prevent choking.
Here is a link to some Amazon products designed to meet these sensory needs. One of my favorites is the teether shown in this blog post feature photo- it vibrates when chewed on.
A Final Reminder….
We all have sensory needs, especially if you were born with a genetic tendency for anxiety. I am also a parent of an adult on the autism spectrum who is mentally ill and the stress can be overwhelming. Most so-called typical adults at times overeat, smoke and bite on objects such as pens as strategies to decrease anxiety. I wear a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding down my teeth! I would love to chew gum but it makes my jaw ache! Fortunately, I don’t really seek oral stimulation and I have greater needs for hand fidget tools and many are very helpful. Here is a related post: