Chewing on clothing, sleeves, or collars is a behavior that often prompts caregivers to question its underlying cause, particularly its potential connection to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This act, which falls under the category of mouthing non-food items, is formally known as oral sensory seeking. While this behavior is frequently observed in individuals with autism, it is not a definitive diagnostic sign of the condition in isolation. Understanding the complexity of oral seeking requires looking beyond a single diagnosis to explore the wide range of reasons the mouth can become a tool for regulation and exploration.
Understanding Oral Sensory Seeking
The mouth is a highly sensitive part of the body, and mouthing objects is a normal, expected part of early childhood development, typically subsiding around the age of two years. When the behavior persists past this developmental stage, it indicates a continued need for oral sensory input. This seeking provides both tactile and proprioceptive feedback to the jaw and mouth, essentially acting as a way to organize the nervous system.
For many people, the need to chew is directly related to emotional and psychological factors, serving as a self-soothing mechanism. Chewing on a shirt sleeve can be a response to anxiety, stress, or nervousness, helping to channel excess energy or manage overstimulation. The rhythmic action of the jaw can also aid focus and concentration, similar to how an adult might tap a pen or chew gum while working on a complicated task.
The behavior can also be simply a habit that lingers long after the original need, such as teething, has passed. Furthermore, some individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may use oral input to improve their ability to focus, especially in stimulating environments like a busy classroom. For all these reasons, the presence of oral seeking alone does not confirm a diagnosis of autism, as it is common across many populations and developmental stages.
The Link to Autism and Sensory Processing
While not a sole indicator, chewing on clothes is often observed in individuals on the autism spectrum because of underlying Sensory Processing Differences (SPD). For many with ASD, the nervous system struggles to interpret and respond to sensory input efficiently, leading to a need for self-regulation. Oral seeking provides a reliable, intense source of input that the brain may require to feel organized or grounded.
The behavior can be a response to either sensory hypo-sensitivity or hyper-sensitivity. For an individual who is hypo-sensitive, meaning they require more sensory input than typical, chewing provides the necessary deep pressure to “wake up” the oral system. Conversely, for someone experiencing sensory overload or hyper-sensitivity from a chaotic environment, the focused, predictable input of chewing can be a calming mechanism to block out overwhelming stimuli.
This form of repetitive behavior, often called “stimming,” allows the individual to manage discomfort, anxiety, or frustration in a non-verbal way. The texture of the clothing itself can become a preferred sensory target, offering a specific tactile experience that meets a neurological need. When clothing chewing occurs alongside other characteristic differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors, it becomes one piece of the larger pattern that may suggest ASD.
Strategies for Redirecting Chewing Behavior
The primary goal for managing persistent oral seeking is redirection and providing appropriate, safe alternatives rather than attempting to eliminate the behavior entirely. Since the urge to chew is often a deeply ingrained sensory need, simply telling someone to stop is typically ineffective and can cause further stress. A highly effective strategy is to introduce dedicated chewable items, such as silicone chewelry or chewable pencil toppers, which are designed to provide the necessary resistance and texture.
Caregivers can also incorporate a “sensory diet” that includes structured oral-motor activities throughout the day. These activities offer natural, strong input to the jaw muscles, which helps to satisfy the underlying need for oral stimulation. Examples include:
- Using a straw to drink thick liquids like smoothies.
- Blowing bubbles.
- Eating crunchy foods such as carrots or apples.
- Eating chewy foods such as jerky.
If the chewing behavior is causing harm, interfering significantly with daily life, or if there is concern about the consumption of non-food items (Pica), consultation with a specialist is recommended. An Occupational Therapist (OT) specializing in sensory integration can evaluate the specific sensory needs and develop a personalized intervention plan. Working with professionals ensures that the underlying sensory or emotional need is met effectively and safely.