please dont eat that!!!!

[elbows]

does anyone have any suggestions to stop our son constantly putting things into his mouth. we would'nt mind if it was just paper, playdough, sand and stuff but now its EVERYTHING. fag buts, leaves, clothing, rabbit poo, yes i know yuk. we watch him like a hawk but he is so quick and as he gets older it seems to be getting worse. will he grow out of it? joking aside we worry alot that he is going to eat something that will seriously hurt him. he is six years old and using basic sign language and p.e.c's. any advice would be greatly received. thanks.:confused:

[dan underhill]

hello. i'm no expert. have you tried something along the lines of lollipops that you keep on you as a replacement to other substances. or maybe keep little snacks for your son in a day bag?

[andy]

Pica is often what the difficulty is called. Although a thorough assessment is often needed for these types of difficulties there are common strategies that can be at least tried. First, if your son mouthes objects it is likely to be a sensory issue. Many children with autism have whatis described as a low registration to taste. That is the sense of taste is slightly dulled. There is a really good book by Olga Bogadashina about sensory approaches in autism it gives very good hints and tips.

I would suggest that you test his sense of taste by giving him sweet, salty and sour tastes. We often try children with grapefruits and lemons really sweet diabetic lolipops etc. What you are looking for is either a strong reaction that is he avoids the taste or a positive sensation seeking reaction that is he cant get enough of it.In the latter case these tatses can be used to distract him at risky times. The same also applies to textures. the sensation that certain foods create may be reinforcing. natural woody licorice is often good to try as a distraction especially when out and about.


I hope this helps a little

Best of luck

Andy McDonnell