obsessive chewing

[ginab779]

My 6 year old, who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, obsessively chews everything from toys, furniture t.v. wires and car seat belts. We have tried using the "chewlry" (a safe plastic bracelet designed for chewing), but it has not slowed her down a bit. It is just something else for her to chew.  Our home ABA team says this is an OT issue - they can't help. OT says this is a behavior issue. My question is, who is right and what else can I do to help her and prevent a possible choking hazard?

[Sally44]

A book I found very useful about sensory issues is by Olga Bogdashina called Sensory and Perceptual Differences in Autism and Aspergers.  If you google her name you can read an article by her in Autism Today.
In that book there is a caregivers questionnaire that you can complete to get a sensory profile of your child.  Our Autism Department uses this questionnaire and asks all parents to complete it.
From reading the book my understanding is that all information and learning about our environment comes in through all our senses.  If any of them are not functioning properly and are not able to receive or interpret that information, or if there is a problem with the communication between the senses, then a child/adult may rely on other senses to discover its environment.
Trying to address these differences means that you have to use ways such as Ridina mentions to keep the child safe.  But I would also suggest looking at the other senses to see if any improvements in them could lead to a reduction in the chewing.  The abovementioned book should help you get a better picture of your child's sensory profile so that you know what areas to start working on.

[Ridina]

I have a 51/2 year old that has the same issues.  He has aspergers and is high fuctioning but puts everything in his mouth.  I have been told by his therapist this is a sensory issue.  At my sons school they wear a jacket that he has different feels and objects for him to touch while he is there.  While going to a flea market or such a place that he might pick up things and put in his mouth I give him bubble wrap.  He loves it and this keeps his hands busy such that he won't put items in his mouth.  Still at home I have to remove all rubber wheels from his toys and monator all small objects with constant vigalance.