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Happy earth
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last online: 11/26, 18:47
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What can I do to get my child to stop chewing his clothes?

He only pretty recently started. When he was a baby he didn't even chew on his fingers. He's three years old and recently diagnosed with autism.

Punishment is not an option, and just removing the shirt from his mouth doesn't seem to be working. He does dislike wearing wet clothing, he just has a compulsion to chew. He also has started chewing the plastic spout of his water bottle.

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started, water, bottle, chewing, chew
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Helpcomanimatedyetiwithdot256
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last online: 06/22, 14:37
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I don't know much, but with my cousin, he's constantly chewing on his fist, so my aunt has him wear socks for gloves constantly which discourages it somewhat. He has to be monitored constantly, so he doesn't remove them. Perhaps you could find a similar fabric, or unpleasant taste / smell, and provide an alternative chewy object. It can be a highly engaged process depending on the spectrum position, much repetition for little effect.

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Dr. ralph club zps9ornptsl
DocteurRalph
last online: 10/23, 23:49
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Alternative oral motor input, that's what my behavioral therapist would tell you. Well you know, if I had one that is. Whistles, harmonicas, blowing bubbles, eating crunchy foods with texture, etc.. At three years old he's going to have to have constant supervision while engaging in any of these activities too. On a brighter note summer is around the corner and he can just run around without a shirt on.

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Orchid 2
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last online: 03/06, 19:32
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I guess its his way of deriving comfort.
I say unless he is causing any form of harm, let him be.

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I was told that

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Max
last online: 07/27, 11:05
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I remember when we chewed pens and pencils. Maybe a healthy snack with a reward goal.

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Evansent
last online: 08/18, 9:33
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All children go through stages of โ€œchewing thingsโ€ I donโ€™t think it has anything to do with autism.
I think itโ€™s an involuntary habitual habit..
Itโ€™s annoying granted,but as long as itโ€™s non toxic and you keep a close eye on what heโ€™s chewing,he should be ok.

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Evansent
last online: 08/18, 9:33
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How about using something like this?
Itโ€™s non toxic and itโ€™s proven to be effective.

https://www.amazon.com/ZEVA-No-Bite-DelayTM-Sig...

Happy earth
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smiley
last online: 11/26, 18:47
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It is ruining his shirts, which I suppose isn't a big deal, plus he is very uncomfortable in the wet clothing.

We're going to try a sensory chew necklace, but I'm not certain those are safe for young ones, so I'll have to watch closely. Hopefully it'll work. If not, we'll deal with it.

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Evansent
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It is a โ€œbig dealโ€ if his actions upset you. Whatever you choose I hope it works.๐Ÿ˜

1581744157174 1581744149313 miss bot
soco
last online: 03/19, 3:49
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My son has Autism also. He occasionally will chew his hand, right next to his thumb. He used to chew clothes too but I just reinforced my objection to that bad behavior and it has pretty much stopped.

Your first instinct will be to buy new clothes to replace the ones he has ruined. Resist this. He will get the message, mostly from peers, that ABC clothing is socially unacceptable. He will want unruined clothing then.

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Max
last online: 07/27, 11:05
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ABC clothing..lol.

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~CaitherrA~
last online: 12/27, 3:55
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I used to always suck on the neck of my shirt as a kid. My mom would eat so mad at me and say I ruined all of my shirts. I honestly remember doing it because I liked the taste. Mind you this is like age 3-4 or something. I eventually stopped doing it, but if your boy does it for the taste, maybe putting something awful tasting on there will help? Donโ€™t do hot sauce- that never works. Go something that will last a long time even between washes! I would think some type of wax or other similar tasting alternative would be good.

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Hello everyone!

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Max
last online: 07/27, 11:05
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(1 week after post)
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I wonder if a spinner toy would work? I think it's like children that suck their thumb.

Happy earth
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smiley
last online: 11/26, 18:47
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@~CaitherrA~ thanks for the insight. Might be the same for him. We're trying to convince him to accept a chew block necklace similar to this one:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/...

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Evansent
last online: 08/18, 9:33
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That looks like an ice cube box on a string..

I hope it works luv ๐Ÿ™‚

Dr. ralph club zps9ornptsl
DocteurRalph
last online: 10/23, 23:49
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It just looks like a Lego to me. But yeah if you hang it around his neck he might chew on it instead of his clothes... alternative oral motor input says I.

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