Autistic children often lick objects and surfaces, a behavior frequently linked to differences in sensory processing. Understanding the reasons behind this can help parents navigate it effectively.
Why Autistic Children Lick Things
Oral exploration provides sensory input for autistic children. The mouth has many nerve endings, making it a rich area for tactile, taste, and proprioceptive information. This oral stimulation can be satisfying or provide a calming effect on the nervous system.
Licking can also function as a self-regulation mechanism, helping children manage internal states. When overwhelmed or stressed, the rhythmic action of licking provides a predictable sensory outlet. Conversely, it can regulate arousal, offering stimulation when under-stimulated or aiding focus.
Sometimes, licking may be an unconscious form of communication, particularly for children who find verbal expression challenging. It might signal an unmet sensory need, a feeling of discomfort, or an attempt to express curiosity about an object. Without other ways to convey these internal experiences, the behavior becomes a non-verbal cue.
Beyond sensory and regulatory functions, licking can be a way to explore new items or environments. Just as infants explore objects orally, some autistic children continue this behavior beyond typical developmental stages. This oral investigation helps them gather information about an object’s texture, temperature, and taste.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Licking non-food items raises several safety concerns. Exposure to germs and pathogens is a primary concern, as surfaces frequently harbor bacteria and viruses that can lead to illness. Regular cleaning and disinfection of accessible surfaces can help reduce this risk.
Another danger is the potential ingestion of toxins and harmful chemicals found in household products. Cleaning supplies, paints, glues, and certain art materials can contain poisonous substances. Securing these items out of reach and sight is a key safety measure to prevent accidental poisoning.
Choking hazards also present a risk when children lick objects, especially smaller items or those with detachable parts. Small debris, loose fibers, or fragments can become dislodged, posing a choking threat. Regularly inspecting the child’s environment for such hazards and removing them is advisable.
Beyond health risks, licking can damage personal belongings and furniture. Repeated licking degrades surfaces, removes paint, or leaves residue, causing wear and tear. While less critical than health concerns, this is still a consideration.
Supportive Strategies and Alternatives
Providing safe oral sensory input can address the needs driving licking behaviors. Chewable jewelry or other chew toys made from safe, non-toxic materials offer suitable alternatives. Crunchy or chewy snacks, such as carrots, apples, or dried fruit, can also provide satisfying oral input.
Addressing a child’s broader sensory needs can also reduce the desire for oral seeking. Creating a sensory-rich environment with various textures, sounds, and visual stimuli may help regulate their sensory system. Items like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or sensory bins can provide alternative sensory input, potentially lessening the need for oral exploration.
Teaching alternative communication skills empowers children to express their needs more directly, potentially reducing reliance on licking as a form of communication. Visual schedules, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), or simple sign language can help a child convey hunger, sensory needs, or discomfort. When a child can communicate effectively, the need for non-verbal cues like licking may decrease.
Gentle redirection and proactive prevention are practical strategies for managing the behavior. When a child begins to lick an inappropriate item, gently guide them toward a safe alternative, such as a chew toy. Proactively removing dangerous or highly tempting items from the child’s immediate environment can also prevent the behavior before it starts.
Environmental adjustments are beneficial. Secure all cleaning products, medications, and other harmful substances in locked cabinets. Regular cleaning of surfaces and toys can also minimize exposure to germs.
When Professional Guidance is Recommended
Seeking professional guidance is advisable if the licking behavior becomes persistent, intense, or significantly interferes with a child’s daily life. If the behavior is constant, difficult to redirect, or occurs in a wide range of inappropriate settings, it may indicate a deeper sensory need that requires specialized intervention.
Concerns about safety, particularly if the child consistently attempts to lick or ingest dangerous items despite interventions, warrant professional consultation. This is especially true if there is a suspicion of pica, a feeding disorder characterized by the ingestion of non-nutritive, non-food substances. A professional can assess the risk and develop a safety plan.
If the behavior impacts a child’s development or social interactions, like causing social isolation or hindering classroom learning, professional help is beneficial. Interventions can then support appropriate social engagement and learning.
Professional evaluation is also recommended for concerns about underlying medical issues. Nutritional deficiencies or other physiological factors could contribute to unusual oral behaviors. A medical professional can rule out or address any health-related causes.
Various professionals can offer support, including occupational therapists specializing in sensory integration, who can assess sensory needs and suggest tailored strategies. Behavior analysts can develop plans to address the behavior and teach alternative skills, while developmental pediatricians can provide a comprehensive medical and developmental assessment.