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 a sensory autism. 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
Let me tell you about Michael and how we dealt with his shirt-chewing habit. If you’re taking care of someone with autism who puts things in their mouth that shouldn’t be there, you know how tough it can be. Our son Michael is 34 now, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Maybe our story can help you too.
First, Let’s Talk About Why This Happens
Look, I used to get so frustrated when Michael would chew through another shirt. But over time, we figured out that this wasn’t just a bad habit – it was his way of dealing with the world around him. Some people with autism find comfort in certain textures or feelings in their mouth. For Michael, it was the soft cotton in his shirts.
Michael’s Story: The Journey with Mouthing Behaviors
Michael’s been putting things in his mouth since he was little. Back then, it seemed normal – all kids do it, right? But as he got older, it didn’t stop. He zeroed in on shirts, especially cotton ones. He’d chew them until they had holes, which meant we were buying new shirts all the time.
Our biggest worries were:
- Going through shirts like crazy (and our wallet feeling it)
- Worrying about germs and stuff from chewing dirty cloth
- The looks people would give him in public
- Finding something that would work but wouldn’t make him feel like a little kid
We tried those chewable necklaces and toys that lots of people recommend, but Michael hated them. He said they made him feel different, and honestly, I get it. What 34-year-old wants to wear a chewy necklace?
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
The biggest thing for us was finding ways to help Michael without making him feel different or childish. Instead of using obvious chew toys or telling him to stop, we:
- Let him help pick out his clothes
- Found ways to keep him busy when we noticed he was starting to chew
- Gave him lots of praise when he caught himself before chewing
- Made sure he had enough other sensory activities throughout the day
Tips for Caregivers: Applying Strategies at Home
If someone you care for chews on things they shouldn’t, here’s what I’d suggest:
Watch and Learn
- When does it happen most?
- What are they usually doing when it starts?
- Are they stressed, bored, or tired?
Try Different Things Not everything works for everyone. Michael hated chew toys, but maybe your person would like them. Try stuff out, but pay attention to how they feel about it.
Change What You Can Sometimes little changes help a lot. For us, it was the two-shirt trick. For you, it might be something totally different.
Let Them Have a Say ask what they think might help. Even if they can’t tell you directly, they might show you what works better for them.
Get Some Help If you’re stuck, talk to a therapist who knows about autism. They might have ideas you haven’t thought of.
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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