When an autistic child constantly mouths objects or chews on clothing, this behavior is called oral seeking or oral stimming. This repetitive action is a common self-regulatory mechanism used to manage their internal state. Oral seeking is a form of self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming,” that provides necessary feedback to the nervous system. This behavior is often misunderstood, but it is an attempt to organize the body and mind, stemming from sensory processing differences.
The Sensory Basis of Oral Seeking
The primary reason a child chews on objects relates to differences in how their brain processes sensory information, specifically input from the mouth and jaw. This input is known as proprioception, which provides a sense of the body’s position, movement, and effort. The jaw is rich with these receptors, and proprioception is deeply calming and organizing for the nervous system.
Chewing delivers deep pressure input to the jaw muscles and joints, providing powerful proprioceptive feedback. A child who is a sensory seeker may have a high threshold for this input, requiring more intense or frequent stimulation to register it effectively. The rhythmic action of chewing helps the child feel grounded and aware of their body in space.
Oral seeking is also a self-regulation strategy used to filter overwhelming external stimuli. When a child experiences sensory overload from a noisy environment or bright lights, the intense, predictable input from chewing acts as a neurological anchor. This allows them to momentarily tune out the distracting or distressing sensory information from the world around them. Engaging the jaw muscles helps organize the oral sensory system, which is especially helpful for children with low oral awareness.
Other Internal and Environmental Triggers
While sensory needs are fundamental, oral seeking can also be triggered by a child’s internal emotional state or external environment. Chewing often functions as a coping mechanism in response to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even intense excitement. The physical action provides a reliable, comforting outlet for releasing pent-up tension.
The repetitive motor pattern of chewing can also aid in concentration, helping a child focus during challenging tasks or academic work. The act of chewing can increase blood flow to the brain, which may enhance cognitive function and reduce distractions. This makes oral seeking a tool for attention regulation, allowing the child to process information more effectively.
Physiological and Environmental Factors
Physiological needs, such as teething pain or general oral motor exploration, can also trigger oral seeking, especially in younger children. Chewing can alleviate discomfort or strengthen underdeveloped oral muscles necessary for speech and eating. Environmental factors, such as boredom or difficulty managing transitions, frequently precede increased chewing behavior. Sensory feedback helps stabilize the child’s emotional state during change or fills the void when under-stimulated.
Safety Concerns and Health Risks
The primary concern with oral seeking is the safety and health risks associated with chewing non-food items. It is important to differentiate oral seeking from Pica, an eating disorder defined by the compulsive consumption of non-food substances like dirt or paint chips, which requires professional intervention.
Chewing inappropriate objects poses physical risks, including significant dental damage, injury to the gums, and jaw structure issues. Items like pencils, toys, or clothing can also pose a serious choking hazard if pieces break off or are swallowed accidentally. Furthermore, ingesting materials not meant to be chewed can introduce toxic substances, such as lead paint or cleaning chemicals, leading to poisoning or internal complications. Keeping a close watch on what the child chews, and ensuring the environment is free of hazardous items, is essential for mitigating these dangers.
Practical Strategies for Managing Oral Seeking
Managing oral seeking requires proactive intervention and providing safe, appropriate alternatives, rather than attempting to stop the behavior entirely. A primary strategy is offering safe and durable chew tools, often called chewelry or chewable necklaces, to redirect chewing away from inappropriate items. These tools come in various textures, densities, and shapes to satisfy different oral needs and preferences.
Sensory Diet and Oral Motor Activities
Incorporating a “sensory diet” is another highly effective approach, which involves scheduling planned activities throughout the day to meet the child’s oral motor needs. This plan, ideally developed with an occupational therapist, integrates activities that provide resistance and deep pressure to the mouth and jaw.
These activities include:
- Chewing on crunchy or chewy foods, such as carrots, apples, dried fruit, or pretzels, during snack and meal times.
- Sucking on thick liquids through a straw.
- Engaging in activities like blowing bubbles or whistles, which provide desired resistance and sensory feedback.
- Heavy work activities, such as pushing, pulling, or carrying resistive loads (e.g., carrying groceries or pushing a laundry basket).
- Engaging in activities like swimming, which help regulate the sensory system and decrease the overall need to chew.
Collaborating with an occupational therapist is advisable to identify specific triggers and tailor a personalized sensory intervention plan. Environmental modifications, such as organizing the child’s space to reduce sensory overload or using visual schedules, can also proactively reduce the need for self-regulation through chewing.