Behavior Analyst Haden Hunt gives background and examples of the ways Michael’s parents, Mike and Kay Carr, have have solved their son’s mouthing problem. Mike and Kay Carr are the founders of Autism Labs and parents of Michael, their thirty three year old son with low functioning autism. With the help of the University of Texas Special Ed & Speech Departments, Kay and Mike have researched and implemented effective at-home systems to promote Michael’s safety, communication, and independence. Follow along on our “Autism at Home” series to learn simple and effective DIY home modifications that will help parents and care-takers such as yourself on this journey we share together.
Addressing Mouthing Behaviors in Individuals with Autism: Michael’s Journey and Insights
Mouthing behaviors—when an individual places inedible objects in their mouth—can be a challenging behavior for individuals with autism and their caregivers. It can range from property damage to social stigma, but understanding the reasons behind this behavior can lead to compassionate and effective solutions. Michael’s story sheds light on how his family navigated these challenges, offering valuable insights for others facing similar situations.
Understanding Mouthing in Autism: A Sensory Need
Mouthing is not uncommon in individuals with autism. While it may seem like an odd or inappropriate behavior, for many, it serves a crucial sensory purpose. Whether it’s the texture, taste, or pressure of an object, mouthing offers comfort or stimulation in response to environmental or internal triggers. For some individuals, mouthing becomes a soothing mechanism, especially during stressful or overwhelming situations.
For Michael, a 34-year-old with autism, mouthing has been a lifelong behavior. His preference for chewing on cotton-based materials, particularly shirts, has created a number of challenges for both him and his parents. From worn-out shirts to hygiene concerns and social discomfort, Michael’s mouthing behaviors presented difficulties in everyday life.
Michael’s Story: The Journey with Mouthing Behaviors
As a child, Michael’s mouthing behavior was relatively typical—he chewed on objects for sensory exploration. But as he grew older, this behavior became more pronounced, particularly with his shirts. His parents, while understanding of his sensory needs, found themselves facing a range of issues:
- Property Damage: Michael would chew through shirts, leading to frequent replacements and extra costs.
- Hygiene Concerns: Chewing on inedible objects introduced the risk of bacteria or other harmful substances entering his mouth.
- Social Stigma: Michael didn’t like the idea of using chewable objects, such as “chewies,” which are common solutions for mouthing behaviors, due to the social stigma they carried—especially for an adult.
Despite trying various alternatives, his parents found that the key to helping Michael was finding solutions that respected his preferences and maintained his dignity.
Finding Practical Solutions: Strategies for Addressing Mouthing
The first step in finding a solution was understanding the specific sensory need that drove Michael’s behavior. His parents recognized that Michael preferred the texture and moisture-retaining properties of cotton, which made it especially soothing for him. With this insight, they began to develop more targeted strategies.
- Understanding the Sensory Preference
Identifying that Michael’s mouthing behavior was driven by a specific texture allowed his parents to create a more effective intervention. Cotton fabric became a source of comfort, so they had to find ways to address his need without reinforcing the behavior. - Offering Alternatives
While alternatives like chewable jewelry or fidget tools are often suggested for mouthing, Michael resisted these options. He found them socially uncomfortable and not as satisfying as chewing on his shirts. This led his parents to get creative in how they approached the situation. - Modifying the Environment
One of the more innovative solutions came from observing Michael’s behavior closely. They noticed that he chewed more on cotton shirts than on other fabrics, such as polyester. With this insight, they found that by layering a polyester shirt over his cotton shirt—particularly in moments when mouthing was more likely (like at night)—they could reduce his mouthing behavior without introducing new tools or stigmatizing interventions. - Reinforcing Positive Behaviors
Encouraging Michael to refrain from mouthing was also important. His parents used positive reinforcement—praise or rewards when he chose not to engage in mouthing behaviors. They also implemented a token system to encourage him to interact with sensory tools instead of chewing on his shirts. - Addressing Emotional Triggers
At times, mouthing behaviors stemmed from stress, anxiety, or boredom. Michael’s parents found that incorporating a sensory diet—regular activities that fulfilled his sensory needs proactively—could help mitigate the need to mouth. Additionally, working with behavior specialists helped them identify emotional triggers and develop strategies to address them.
Balancing Practicality and Dignity
A key challenge for Michael’s family was finding a solution that respected his dignity while addressing the practical concerns of mouthing behaviors. They avoided stigmatizing interventions like chewable objects, which he found uncomfortable in social settings. Instead, they adopted a discreet approach, working with Michael’s preferences and maintaining his sense of autonomy.
Why This Matters
It’s essential to preserve the autonomy of individuals with autism, especially when finding solutions to behaviors like mouthing. Instead of treating Michael as though he were “different” or “less than,” his parents worked with his sensory needs and preferences to find a solution that fit his lifestyle. This approach not only reduces stigma but also empowers the individual by making them feel more confident and included.
Tips for Caregivers: Applying Strategies at Home
If you’re caring for someone with mouthing behaviors, here are a few tips inspired by Michael’s journey:
- Observe and Document
Pay close attention to when mouthing occurs. Does it happen more at specific times or when certain triggers are present? Understanding the context can help in developing effective strategies. - Experiment with Alternatives
While alternatives like chewable objects may not work for everyone, try a variety of sensory tools to see what resonates with the individual. Chewing gum, textured fabrics, or even non-stigmatizing sensory toys can be helpful. - Implement Environmental Modifications
Consider adjusting the environment, such as layering fabrics or providing quiet spaces to help manage mouthing behavior. This can reduce the need for continuous intervention. - Involve the Individual
Let the person with autism help choose what strategies work best for them. This fosters a sense of control and ownership, making them more likely to engage in the process. - Seek Professional Support
If mouthing behaviors persist, consulting with a behavior therapist or occupational therapist can provide additional strategies and insights to help manage the behavior.
A Holistic Approach to Sensory Behaviors
Addressing mouthing behaviors requires empathy, creativity, and patience. Michael’s story exemplifies how understanding the sensory and emotional needs behind the behavior can lead to meaningful solutions. For caregivers, the goal is to support the individual in a way that fosters independence and reduces frustration, while respecting their unique needs.
Final Thoughts: Compassion and Empowerment
Mouthing behaviors are a natural part of how some individuals with autism interact with their sensory world. While these behaviors can be challenging, they also provide caregivers with an opportunity to better understand the individual’s needs. Through personalized strategies—such as offering alternatives, modifying the environment, and reinforcing positive behaviors—caregivers can create an environment where individuals feel empowered and supported.
Michael’s journey reminds us that every individual is unique, and the best solutions often come from observing, understanding, and adapting to their needs. Have you encountered mouthing behaviors in your caregiving experience? What strategies have worked for you? Share your insights or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective.
Behavior Analyst Haden Hunt gives background and examples of the ways Michael’s parents, Mike and Kay Carr, have have solved their son’s mouthing problem.
Mike and Kay Carr are the founders of Autism Labs and parents of Michael, their thirty three year old son with low functioning autism. With the help of the University of Texas Special Ed & Speech Departments, Kay and Mike have researched and implemented effective at-home systems to promote Michael’s safety, communication, and independence.
Follow along on our “Autism at Home” series to learn simple and effective DIY home modifications that will help parents and care-takers such as yourself on this journey we share together.
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