Don’t eat that!
Tips and Tricks to help mouthing

Written by Aimee York, OT, director of KinderCloud online allied health services for children. KinderCloud provides OT, Dietetics and Counselling for children and families via Skype.

As babies, it is essential that we explore our environment with every possible sense we have. Touch things, look at things, smell things, hear things, and of course…. Taste things. Infants are often caught with all kinds of things in their mouths!

As we learn and grow, we are soon taught what to, and what not to put in our mouths. Some children with sensory processing challenges may seek out extra sensory input to help them regulate their bodies. One form of sensory seeking behaviour can utilise our Oral (mouth) sense. Often this is seen in children who are always chewing on their pencil, collar of their shirt, hair, fingers, or anything else near by! For some, this may even mean eating – actually consuming and swallowing – non-food items. If this is extreme and persistent, please seek medical advice as your child may have symptoms of pica (http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/pica.html).

Children who are sensory seeking should ultimately be seen by a professional occupational therapist to ensure that their sensory needs are being met. If your child truly has sensory processing challenges than this needs to be addressed by a professional.

There are many ways to help your sensational child seeking out oral input in a socially acceptable way. Try the following:

Oral motor tools such as Chewlery (http://shopau.sensorytools.net/as_oralmotor )

Behavioural rewards such as a reward chart (how many ‘chew free’ days can we have)

Incorporating accessible chewy or crunchy snacks as appropriate throughout the day. Make sure they are healthy!

Altering the sensory seeking “sense” from oral to touch, by giving your child a ‘fidgit toy’. Fidget toys are small, discreet toys that are fluffy, squishy, spiky or otherwise novel/interesting for your child to play with instead of chewing.

If your child requires further assistance to help support their chewing and mouthing behaviours, then your best bet is to call an occupational therapist. They specialise in sensory processing challenges such as oral motor seeking behaviours.
Contact KinderCloud today on 0409 279 728 or email info@kindercloud.com.au for more information.

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Written by Aimee York, OT, director of KinderCloud online allied health services for children. KinderCloud provides OT, Dietetics and Counselling for children and families via Skype.

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More Info About KinderCloud – (Australia Based)

For those unable to access main-stream allied health services due to geographical location, or those simply wishing to have the convenience of a quick, easy and efficient alternative to physical therapy, KinderCloud offers e-consultations over Skype.

Once you have filled out the New Patient Form, you will be contacted via email with an attached invoice, quoting the recommended amount of time required. Most initial e-consultations will run for 45 minutes. Once payment is cleared, a time slot for your e-consultation appointment can be booked.

For your convenience, payments can be made via PayPal.

What’s Included?

What’s Included?

• Personal, one-on-one Skype conversation with a registered Paediatric Occupational Therapist
• Formalised assessment, if required
• Follow-up email with attached personalised resources for you and your child
• Summary report of e-consult (upon request)