Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.
"I wondered if you have any advice regarding biting—not what to do during an incident, but more on prevention and supporting children in replacing this behaviour with something more appropriate. Chew toys/swap-ins don't seem to be helping at the moment."
There are lots of different chewable items out there, so it’s worth trying different ones—some even vibrate! Some I recommend trying are linked here. You could also try regular crunchy snacks, ideally keeping them accessible throughout the day. Encourage crunchy options, particularly during snack and lunch times.
It’s important to explore the root cause of the behavior, as children are often trying to soothe or ground themselves. Consider asking:
“Why are they feeling unsafe or out of control?”
- Ensure the child has an accessible way to communicate and be understood.
- Reduce demands where possible.
- Offer regular sensory breaks.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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