Your 11-year-old might be putting things in her mouth as a way to self-regulate when experiencing sensory overload.
Understanding Sensory Overload and Oral Sensory Seeking
When a child or adult experiences too much sensory input, their brain can become overwhelmed. This is known as sensory overload. In this state, the brain struggles to process the excessive amount of information it receives from the environment. As a result, some individuals engage in activities, such as oral sensory seeking, to help them calm down and regain control. Oral sensory seeking involves putting things in the mouth, which provides a specific type of sensory input.
How Oral Sensory Seeking Helps with Self-Regulation
Oral sensory input can be very grounding and calming. By putting things in the mouth, the individual receives:
- Proprioceptive Input: Chewing or sucking provides pressure to the jaw, which can be a calming input.
- Tactile Input: The mouth has a high concentration of nerve endings, making it a sensitive area. This tactile input can help the individual focus and feel more grounded.
Specific Examples
- Chewing on clothing: The texture and the proprioceptive feedback from chewing can be calming.
- Sucking on objects: A pencil, pen, or even a hand can provide tactile input.
- Biting on toys: Specific toys designed for chewing can provide the desired input.
Practical Tips and Solutions
If you suspect sensory overload is causing your child's oral seeking behavior, consider these options:
- Sensory Diet: Create a sensory diet which is a customized plan of sensory activities that help the individual regulate their emotions and needs. This can include a variety of sensory inputs to provide a substitute and mitigate the need for oral sensory seeking.
- Oral Motor Tools: Provide safe chewable objects. Several tools are available that are specifically designed for safe chewing or mouthing.
- Reduce Sensory Overload: Identify and reduce environmental triggers that might be causing overload.
- Consult with a Professional: Seek help from an occupational therapist to develop a personalized plan for your child.
Here's a quick overview:
| Behavior | Possible Reason | How to Help |
|---|---|---|
| Putting objects in mouth | Sensory overload and self-regulation | Sensory diet, safe chew objects, reduce triggers |
By understanding the link between sensory overload and oral sensory seeking, you can take steps to help your 11-year-old find alternative ways to manage her sensory needs.
