Chewing

[Boymom3]

One of my boys puts everything in his mouth. He’s almost 7. He pulls strings out of his clothes, blankets, etc. and chews the strings. He has put holes in socks and clothes and blankets pulling the strings out. He chews on toys, rolls legos around in his mouth. He chewed through a glow stick and it busted every where. His doctor really didn’t have any answers for me. Anyone have experience with this?! His twin brother picks at his nails and cuticles til they bleed. He’s had to get on antibiotics for infected cuticle. I can’t make him stop!!

[beachcat5156]

My 7 yr old does the same. It's a sensory need. I recommend either working with an OT or researching tools that can support that sensory need. My son is a sensory seeker and always wants something in his mouth, just as you described. I have learned to work with it because I haven't been able to stop it.

[Madmarie]

My son too! It drives me crazy! He is prone to horrible mouth sores, naturally this contributes to the issue. I have just had to become stern with him. He’s gotten a little better as he’s gotten older.

[Janice_H]

yes my son does that too. I have to keep an eye on him so he doesn't choke on things. He also picks his cuticles, toenails, fingernails and sores until they bleed.

[Adam081911]

If your doctor isn't helping, I will reach out to OT or behaviour consultant.

My 7 yo still sucks his thumb. He is a sensory seeker too. He picks both my husband's and my finger nails and toe nails..... I'm still working with him reminding that he will get a reward if he doesn't suck his thumb at least at home for a day.

Still working progress.

[Boymom3 in reply to Adam081911]

He has had OT and his last check up with psychologist, he said he didn’t need it, but seems obvious that he has sensory issues.

[Adam081911 in reply to Boymom3]

My son used Chewerly for a while. Google Chewerly for special education.

My son's Chewerly was a plastic tube that is safe for him to put in his mouth and it comes with a strap.

I think he needs that sensory in his mouth.

I found on one here but you can always google.

nationalautismresources.com...

I hope this helps.

[MomofOne13]

My son does this as well... chewing on sleeves, collars, napkins, etc (he's 7). I've had some limited success with "chewelry" (there are several manufacturers that make safe rubber chews in lots of styles). We use a necklace style and I just hand it to him when I see him chewing something less appropriate.

[MomOfAMermaid]

It sounds like you are describing my daughter! We have worked with occupational therapy. My daughter cannot help it. We have used he chewy necklaces and items to meet her need. We have permission for her to chew gum at school so she is not chewing unsafe school materials or her clothes. You all are not alone! You are in good company!

[Boymom3 in reply to MomOfAMermaid]

Gum! That may actually be helpful if he won’t take it out of his mouth and play with it!

[dredoug02]

Hi Boymom3 I tbought I was the only mom that experienced this issue with my 7 year old son. His pedestrian ordered a number of blood test on him and everything came back normal. She said she is not too concerned because he is not swallowing the items. It came down to habbit and that it might be q calming machanism for him.

[Megster97]

Boy is it comforting to know that I am not alone in this same behavior. My daughter is 9 and has been like this all her life. She chews EVERYTHING!!! Ive tried the sensory chewey toys and gum, but that only helps some of the time. She picks at sores, loves to leave bloady snot on her bedding (even though she has a full tissue box next to her bed), and tends to break stuff. So, you are NOT alone in this. We've tried everything we caould think of and nothing is working. At this point I'm just praying that she will grow out of it. I hope you find strategies that help your son. I know first-hand how frustrating it is. Good luck.

[Boymom3 in reply to Megster97]

Thanks. I’m glad they aren’t alone. He has chewed up his sheets, pillowcase and comforter. He and his twin brother break everything they touch. I have to keep certain things put away and supervise them playing to make sure they don’t destroy it. It’s almost like they don’t care how they are “supposed to” play the game or use the toy, they just tear it up. Praying they grow out of it.

[Megster97]

Oh I'm so with you there! I only have one, but she destroys everything too. Makes me not want to buy her anything. I definitely don't invest in anything expensive. Even when I try to educate her on the cost of things, she just says she can pay us back out of her savings account...she doesn't seem to care. I'm constantly mending sheets and clothing. I've put off renovating her bedroom to be more age appropriate...don't want to waste the money. Not much more we can take away from her for consequences. Therapist says we're not supposed to take away, but rather reward when she doesn't do a negative behavior. Having a problem wrapping my head around that concept when it seems like she is constantly doing negative behaviors.

[Boymom3 in reply to Megster97]

I agree. Mine get negative consequences and they get rewards but yeah, the negative seems to outweigh the positive sometimes.