Chewing on shirt collar...

[Leobaby2007]

 I know others have posted about this, but since my son didn't do it at the time, I really don't remember the replies except perhaps it could be yeast related, or I am confusing that with something else?

Lately he has been putting a lot of things in his mouth, including his fingers, which he did in the bathtub tonight. Umm...he will be 5 on August 3rd and stopped mouthing objects when he was 18 months old.

This afternoon, the front of his shirt was wet, from saliva, since he was chewing on his shirt collar.

Like I mentioned, this is a new thing.

We had a fantastic day. I took him to The Play Factory, The Container Store and to see Ice Age 3. We spent 12 happy hours together today. It was great.

What could be causing this behavior, do you think?

Help!

[WildCat73]

my daughter still do it and my 1 daughter gets worse if she is in trouble or gets upset.

[Leobaby2007]

 Hmmmm...that's what is so odd about it. He hasn't mouthed things since he was a toddler and he wasn't upset or in trouble (today at least), but the front of his shirt was SOAKED.

So, it could be an anxiety thing, but he had no reason to be anxious. He started doing it at home, not when we were out. I'm stumped. Maybe it's a passing thing and he will stop.

With autism, I'm learning, it's like one behavior disappears and another pops up in its place, or an old beharior/obsession comes back when you thought it was long gone. So frustrating!

Quoting WildCat73:

my daughter still do it and my 1 daughter gets worse if she is in trouble or gets upset.

 

[WildCat73]

I talked to my older daughter , she said she does not know why she does it except that it makes her feel better. I keep forgetting about the necklaces they have for kids with autism that are safe to chew.

[Austinsmom4544]

My son did this but instead of collars he would lift his shirt and chew at the bottom.  He actually ruined quite a few shirts.  He did it when he was stressed or anxious.  Gum helped him a lot.  He stopped doing it when he was 8 :)

[smarieljlee]

Bella is a sensory seeker. For about 5-6months now she has been chewing her hair. Purely sensory. It is long and reaches her mouth. Its a stim.

[smarieljlee]

You can buy him something from chewlry if you think it will help. They make all sorts of accesories meant for chewing and sucking. they can fiddle with it as well

[jordiesmom05]

My son did not start chewing on his shirts until he was around 4. He chews on the sleeves, neck, and bottom. Sometimes he will take the shirt off and and just chew away! Long sleeves and hoodies are the worst. He has not done it lately, thank goodness. Gum has helped a lot. Plus I keep shirtless at home most of the time to keep him from rubbing his face on his shirt.

[Sheriff6]

Zinc deficiency possible!

[Leobaby2007]

Yes, I have heard of chewlery. I just never needed it until now. Thanks!

[elkmomma]

I have to chuckle here (hee hee hee),  I know the strangest things can come out of their mouths but we almost never hear of the strange things that go into their mouths.  If it's a new thing you may want to check and see if any teeth are coming in or it's possible it just feels good.  I am learning that just because they do odd things it doesn't always mean any thing other than frustrate us. My son is almost 12 and still finds things to suck on or roll around in his mouth; for pleasure, coping, and to p**s me off.