Biting is a challenging behavior sometimes seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It functions as a way for a child to communicate an unmet need or regulate their internal state, rather than being motivated by malice or aggression. Understanding the underlying function is the first step toward finding an effective solution for this behavior. For children who struggle with traditional communication methods, biting can become a default reaction to express their inner world.
Biting as Functional Communication
When a child cannot articulate a want or need with words, they may use the physical action of biting to get a specific result from their environment. This behavior can be an immediate way to protest a demand, effectively communicating “No, I want this to stop” when the child lacks the verbal skills to refuse the activity.
Biting is also frequently used to gain attention from a parent or caregiver, even if that attention is negative. If a child learns that biting quickly results in a reaction, they may repeat the behavior to satisfy a need for social interaction or engagement. Similarly, the act can be a direct request for a desired item or a way to escape from an overwhelming or undesirable situation.
Sensory Regulation and Oral Input Needs
Biting often links directly to sensory processing differences common with ASD. The mouth and jaw area contains many nerve endings, and the deep pressure generated by biting provides intense proprioceptive input. This input can be highly regulating for a child’s nervous system, acting as a form of self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming”.
For some children, biting is a sensory-seeking behavior, satisfying a need for oral stimulation due to hyposensitivity, meaning they require more intense input. Alternatively, a child may be hypersensitive to their environment, becoming overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces. Biting then becomes a coping mechanism to regain control and reduce the internal tension caused by sensory overload. This self-soothing action can temporarily calm the nervous system during moments of anxiety or distress.
Immediate and Long-Term Management Strategies
When a biting incident occurs, the immediate response must prioritize safety while remaining calm and neutral. Quickly and gently separate the individuals involved without giving excessive attention to the biting child, as this could unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Redirect the child to an appropriate alternative, such as offering a designated chew toy, a crunchy snack, or providing deep pressure input like a tight hug if that is calming for them.
Long-term management focuses on teaching a replacement skill that meets the child’s underlying need more effectively. If the biting is communicative, structured teaching methods like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or visual aids can be introduced to allow the child to request a break or an item. If the behavior is sensory-driven, a proactive sensory diet can incorporate appropriate oral tools, such as chewable necklaces or chewy tubes, throughout the day. Consistency across all environments, with a clear and shared response plan among caregivers, is a primary factor in reducing the behavior over time.
Determining When Professional Intervention is Needed
Parents should seek professional help if the biting behavior is frequent, intense, or results in injury to the child or others. When consistent, home-based management strategies fail to reduce the behavior after a reasonable period, it signals a need for expert assessment. Professionals can conduct a formal Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to pinpoint the exact purpose of the biting, which is essential for effective intervention.
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) specializes in developing tailored behavior plans that teach appropriate replacement skills and use positive reinforcement. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can assess sensory processing issues and design a personalized sensory diet to address oral input needs. Consulting with a developmental pediatrician or psychologist can also rule out underlying medical issues, such as pain or discomfort, that the child may be communicating through biting.