How to Use Sensorial Activities for an Autistic Child Who Bites

Biting can be a challenging behavior for parents of autistic children. It's often not an act of aggression, but a way to communicate a need or seek sensory input. Understanding the "why" behind the biting is the first step. Many children bite because they are seeking oral stimulation, are overwhelmed by their environment, or are struggling to regulate their emotions.

This article explores how you can use sensorial activities to meet these needs in a safe and constructive way, helping to reduce biting incidents.

1. Addressing Oral Sensory Needs

For many children, the urge to bite is a direct call for oral sensory input. Providing a safe alternative is crucial. Chew tools are designed to provide this input without harming the child or others. They come in various textures and levels of toughness to suit different preferences.

• Chew Necklaces and Bracelets: These are wearable and always accessible, allowing the child to self-regulate when they feel the urge to bite.

• Chewy Pencil Toppers: Great for school or homework time to provide oral input while focusing on a task.

• Vibrating Oral Massagers: The vibration can be very calming and provide intense sensory input.

A chew necklace like this one can provide a safe and accessible alternative for oral sensory seeking.

2. Calming with Tactile Play

Sometimes biting is a reaction to being overwhelmed by sensory information from the environment (too loud, too bright). Tactile activities can help a child focus on a single, calming sensation, which can reduce overall anxiety and the urge to bite.

• Sensory Bins: Fill a plastic tub with materials like dried rice, beans, kinetic sand, or water beads. Let the child explore with their hands or scoop and pour.

• Play-Doh or Putty: Squeezing, rolling, and molding can be very therapeutic and provide resistance that is calming.

• Finger Painting: The cool, smooth texture of paint can be a positive sensory experience.

Engaging in tactile play with materials like kinetic sand can be a very calming experience for a child.

3. Regulating with Proprioceptive "Heavy Work"

Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its location, movements, and actions. "Heavy work" activities provide intense proprioceptive input to the muscles and joints, which has a powerful calming and organizing effect on the nervous system. A regulated child is less likely to bite.

• Pushing or Pulling Weighted Objects: Have the child push a laundry basket filled with books, pull a wagon, or carry a heavy backpack.

• Animal Walks: Encourage "bear walks," "crab walks," or "frog jumps" to engage large muscle groups.

• Weighted Blankets or Vests: These provide deep pressure touch, which can be very soothing and help a child feel grounded.

Activities that involve pushing or pulling heavy objects provide calming proprioceptive input.

By incorporating these sensorial activities into your child's daily routine, you can help them meet their sensory needs and reduce the likelihood of biting. Always consult with an occupational therapist for personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child's specific needs.