- #Is chewing on plastic bottle caps bad for you professional#
- #Is chewing on plastic bottle caps bad for you download#
When I discussed this with the teen, he admitted that he swallowed batteries to avoid school and instead spend a day at the hospital with his parents close by his side. After tracking the behavior, it became apparent that it occurred only on school day mornings. I recall working with a family of a teen with autism who had started swallowing double AA batteries. Does he seem happy versus anxious when he’s chewing on his shirt? If so, the chewing may be something he does to calm himself. seeking constant visual stimulation (signs can include becoming excited at stimulating sights such as merry-go rounds, whirring fans and bright lights)Īnother clue that his pica may be a sensory seeking would be your son’s mood when he engages in pica.having difficulty holding still (hyperactivity).having difficulty keeping his hands to himself.Signs that your son may be such a “sensory seeker” may include: Sometimes this involves seeking out sensory experiences such as chewing on objects or clothing. Sensory issues are likewise very common among both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Have there have been changes in your son’s life that may have increased his overall anxiety or frustration levels? Is it sensory stimulation? Here are some issues to explore – ideally with the guidance of a child psychologist familiar with autism:ĭoes your son tends to chew on his shirt or other non-food items during situations or times of day he finds stressful? For example, when it's time to leave the house for school or to do his homework?ĭoes he seem upset when he starts chewing on things? In my practice, I often see children and teens who begin chewing non-food items because they are having trouble managing anxiety or frustration. Some research suggests that around 40 percent of children with autism have an anxiety disorder. We know that anxiety is particularly common among children and teens who have autism. So let’s consider your son’s new habit from three possible angles: emotional coping, sensory stimulation and attention seeking. Figuring out “why”Īny plan to address a problem behavior should begin with some detective work to figure out what’s driving it. So it’s important for you to alert your son’s doctor to his pica and have him appropriately evaluated. Pica can also produce serious medical problems such as lead poisoning. On rare occasions, pica results from nutritional deficiencies.
#Is chewing on plastic bottle caps bad for you download#
You can learn more about these Autism Speaks pica guides and download them free of charge. The ATN developed these tool kits as part of its role as the federal funded Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P). In addition to my tips below, I also highly recommend two Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network guidebooks – Pica: A Guide for Parents and Pica: A Guide for Professionals. But my overview and general strategies are no substitute for working with a behavioral and/or occupational therapist to develop a personalized intervention program for your son. I’m glad to share some of my insights as an occupational therapist who frequently works with families whose children have this dangerous tendency. Both are very common among people who have autism.
The habit of swallowing non-food items is called pica. Chewing on things can be a form of repetitive behavior. Your family is far from alone in grappling with this problem.
#Is chewing on plastic bottle caps bad for you professional#
The hospital is one of 14 centers in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN).Įditor’s note: The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist.
This week’s “Food for Thought” post is by occupational therapist Moira Pena, of Toronto’s Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. I also find objects around the house with teeth marks on them. Lately, he’s been chewing on his shirt collars as well as chewing and sometimes swallowing things like pen caps, erasers and all sorts of paper. Our 17-year-old son has a diagnosis of autism and developmental delay.
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