Is chewing clothes a sign of autism? Each child may present with different symptoms, and there is no single behavior that leads to a definitive diagnosis. The same is true for chewing on clothing.
While this can be a sign of autism, it’s important to pay attention to other possible symptoms, such as communication issues, repetitive behaviors, etc.
Why do some children chew on clothes or objects?
Chewing clothing is a behavior. As a parent, remember that all behavior is a form of communication. If your child is chewing on their clothing, they may be trying to tell you something.
It is not uncommon for children with autism to stim. They may walk in circles, flap their arms, rock back and forth, or chew on items to soothe themselves.
This can include chewing on their own clothing. Taking away their ability to stim may lead to negative consequences such as explosive behaviors.
Other children with autism may chew on their clothing as a sensory issue related to their clothing.
You may discover that your child only does it when wearing clothing made of specific textures or that has tags sewn into their clothing.
Knowing your own child is essential to understanding why they may be chewing on their clothing. They may be teething, and the chewing will only last for short periods of time.
Some children with toothaches will also chew on their clothing to deal with their pain. This may be especially true if your child with autism is non-verbal or has delayed speech and isn’t able to express their pain verbally.
Is chewing clothes a sign of autism?
Chewing on your clothing is not enough for any professional to diagnose autism in your child. However, when combined with other symptoms, it can be considered a sign of ASD.
As a parent, you can learn to gather data and information using an “A-B-C” method to gain additional insight.
“A” represents “Antecedent.” It will involve observing what your child is doing prior to chewing their clothing.
Is your child experiencing a noisy environment prior to chewing their clothing? Other conditions they may encounter prior to chewing on their clothing could involve:
- entering a room with bright lights,
- being asked to interact with another individual,
- feeling hungry before mealtime,
- concentrating on their homework, etc.
The letter “B” means the “Behavior” they are exhibiting. In this case, the “behavior” would be “chewing on their clothing.”
Finally, the “C” is the “Consequences” they experience after chewing on their clothing. For example, do they gain your attention or receive an item to encourage them to stop chewing?
Does your child get to avoid a certain situation or activity after they chew on their clothing? All this information will help you develop a rationale for why this behavior is happening.
Autism, biting, and chewing: Is there a connection?
Some children with autism can become overstimulated and will develop behavior patterns to deal with this issue. It is not always just “clothing” that they may chew on.
Some children with autism may exhibit behaviors such as chewing on toys, pencils, blankets, or even their own arms. Other children will chew on items and attempt to eat them.
This can be a form of pica. This disorder involves a person with an insatiable desire to eat objects that are not meant to be digested.
Some children with autism, especially those who may have severe communication issues, may chew on items or bite out of frustration.
They may be experiencing frustration with their inability to express their own needs or desires clearly.
When to be concerned about the chewing on clothes symptom
After observing your child, you may notice that they begin chewing their clothing when they are anxious or in situations that make them uncomfortable.
However, if the chewing is becoming a health or safety-related issue, you may want to seek the advice of your pediatrician, special education teacher, or occupational therapist.
They can often offer interventions to manage this behavior.
How to manage chewing behavior
Chewing on clothing, while often not dangerous for your child, may result in hygiene or even social concerns. Finding the right replacement behavior may help your child reduce or even stop their chewing.
When you notice your child beginning to chew on their clothing, this is a good opportunity to provide alternatives. These may include:
- Going on a walk
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Wearing a weighted blanket or vest
- Engaging in deep breathing activities
- Blowing bubbles
- Doing an art project, and more
Finally, it is important as a parent to frequently and consistently praise your child with autism for not chewing on their clothing.
Chewing is not a diagnosis, but it can be a clue
Chewing on clothing can sometimes be a sign of autism, especially when it appears with other traits. However, on its own, this behavior isn’t enough for a diagnosis.
As a parent, it’s understandable to be concerned if your child frequently chews on clothing. If they receive an autism diagnosis, know that there are many community and school-based resources available to help manage this behavior.
You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with other families that have successfully addressed this issue. Interacting with other families with autistic children can become an extremely beneficial resource for your entire family.
FAQs
Q: Why does my child keep chewing his clothes?
A: Your child may be chewing clothes as a way to self-soothe, manage stress, or fulfill sensory needs. This behavior is common in children with sensory processing challenges or anxiety.
Q: Is chewing on random things a sign of autism?
A: Chewing on objects can be a form of sensory seeking, which is often seen in autistic children. However, it can also occur in children without autism who have sensory processing differences or anxiety.
Q: Do kids with ADHD chew their shirts?
A: Yes, children with ADHD may chew on shirts or other objects to help with focus, self-regulation, or as a response to overstimulation. It is a common sensory-related behavior in kids with ADHD.
Q: How do I know if my child has sensory issues with clothes?
A: Children with sensory issues may avoid certain fabrics, complain about tags or seams, or frequently remove clothing. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort related to specific textures or clothing types.
Other articles you may be interested in:
- Early Signs of Autism: ASD Symptoms in Babies and Young Children
- A Quick and Simple Autism Symptom Checklist
- Shaping the Future: Grandparents Diagnosing Autism
- Autism in Girls: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Autism in Teens: Signs, Expectations, and Treatment
- Signs of Undiagnosed Autism in Adults
- How did I know my daughter was autistic?
- Autism Face: Are There Physical Signs?
- Do Babies with Autism Smile? Recognizing the Early Signs
- Signs of Autism? Don’t Be Scared of the A-Word
References
Kyriacou, C., Forrester-Jones, R., & Triantafyllopoulou, P. (2023). Clothes, sensory experiences and autism: is wearing the right fabric important?. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(4), 1495-1508. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3
Nadeem, M. S., Murtaza, B. N., Al-Ghamdi, M. A., Ali, A., Zamzami, M. A., Khan, J. A., … & Kazmi, I. (2021). Autism-a comprehensive array of prominent signs and symptoms. Current pharmaceutical design, 27(11), 1418-1433. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpd/2021/00000027/00000011/art00009
Şahan, A. K., Öztürk, N., Demir, N., Karaduman, A. A., & Serel Arslan, S. (2021). A comparative analysis of chewing function and feeding behaviors in children with autism. Dysphagia, 1-6. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00455-020-10228-6
Li, J. Chewing on Sensory Over-responsivity and Anxiety in People with Autism and ADHD: A Review. https://en.front-sci.com/index.php/jcmr/article/view/3290/3590
