Key Points:

• Oral fixation in autism is common and often linked to sensory processing differences or anxiety regulation.
• Understanding the “why” behind oral behaviors helps parents implement healthy, effective coping strategies.
• ABA therapy is a proven, supportive approach to managing behaviors like oral fixation in a structured and individualized way.

Some kids just can’t stop chewing on their shirt collars, pencils, or even their sleeves. If you’re the parent of a child with autism, you may already know this all too well. It’s not just a phase—it’s called oral fixation, often involving repetitive jaw movements, and understanding what’s behind it is key to helping your child thrive.

What is Oral Fixation in Autism—And Is It Normal?

Oral fixation is a common behavior among individuals with autism. And no, you’re not alone in dealing with it.

Children with autism often exhibit behaviors tied to sensory processing needs—and one of the most frequent is oral fixation. This includes constant chewing, sucking, licking, or mouthing objects, which may look like a bad habit but often serves a deeper purpose. 

Oral fixation in autism is not unusual. In fact, it can be a completely normal part of how an autistic child experiences and interacts with the world. Understanding this behavior is the first step toward supporting your child.

Why Do Children With Autism Develop Oral Fixation?

There’s more than one reason behind oral behaviors in autistic individuals. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the possible causes.

1. Sensory Seeking Behavior

Children with autism may seek out oral stimulation as part of their sensory processing disorder (SPD) profile. The mouth has a high concentration of sensory receptors, so chewing or sucking provides comfort, grounding, or stimulation.

2. Anxiety and Emotional Regulation

For some, oral behaviors are a form of self-soothing. Just like some people bite their nails under stress, kids with autism might chew on a toy or shirt when they’re anxious, overstimulated, or overwhelmed.

3. Communication Substitution

Oral fixation can sometimes be a nonverbal attempt to communicate discomfort, boredom, or even hunger. For nonverbal or minimally verbal children, this can be their way of expressing needs.

4. Delayed Oral-Motor Development

Some children with autism experience delays in oral-motor skills, which can manifest in unusual oral habits. Chewing or sucking may be their way of compensating or developing those muscles.

What are Common Signs of Oral Fixation in Autism?

Being able to spot the signs early can help you decide when and how to intervene. Keep an eye out for these behaviors:

• Chewing on non-food items (clothes, pencils, toys)
• Frequent hand-to-mouth actions
• Excessive licking of objects or hands
• Sucking on fingers, sleeves, or objects
• Putting unsafe or inappropriate things in the mouth

These behaviors can sometimes lead to health concerns (e.g., choking, infections), so it’s important to manage them thoughtfully and proactively.

Healthy Coping Strategies for Managing Oral Fixation

Once you recognize the behavior and understand its purpose, the next step is to redirect it in a healthy, safe, and sustainable way. Here’s how you can start.

1. Offer Safe Alternatives

Try introducing tools specifically designed for oral sensory needs, such as:

• Chewelry (chewable jewelry)
• Chewy tubes
• Silicone pencil toppers
• Textured chew sticks

These items provide the oral input kids crave—without the risk of damaging teeth or chewing unsafe items.

2. Create a Sensory Diet

Work with an occupational therapist to develop a daily plan that meets your child’s sensory needs. A sensory diet might include:

• Oral-motor exercises
• Crunchy or chewy snacks at specific times
• Water bottles with straws for oral resistance

3. Teach Functional Alternatives

Sometimes, chewing is a stand-in for something else. If your child is anxious, teach calming techniques like:

• Deep breathing
• Squeezing a stress ball
• Asking for a break

With consistent practice, they may begin to replace oral fixation with more functional coping strategies.

4. Monitor and Reinforce

Use positive reinforcement when your child uses appropriate tools or asks for help. Acknowledge small wins and create reward systems that are meaningful and motivating.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Mild oral fixation can be developmentally appropriate, but when it becomes excessive or dangerous, intervention is necessary. Here are red flags to look for:

• Chewing or mouthing that causes injury or bleeding
• Ingesting non-food items (a condition called pica)
• Signs of dental problems from frequent chewing
• Social difficulties at school or in peer interactions due to behaviors

If you notice these issues, consult with your child’s doctor, occupational therapist, or behavioral specialist for guidance. An individualized approach is key.

How ABA Therapy Can Help Manage Oral Fixation in Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most researched and effective approaches for managing behaviors associated with autism—including oral fixation. Here's how it works.

1. Behavioral Assessment

ABA therapists start by identifying why the oral behavior is happening. Is it sensory? Attention-seeking? Habitual? Understanding the function of the behavior allows for more precise intervention.

2. Skill Replacement

ABA encourages the teaching of alternative behaviors that serve the same purpose but are more appropriate or functional. This could be using a chewable necklace instead of chewing on a sleeve, or signaling when feeling overwhelmed.

3. Positive Reinforcement

ABA focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, which increases the likelihood they’ll be repeated. This gentle encouragement helps children feel successful and supported.

4. Data-Driven Adjustments

Progress is continuously tracked, and strategies are adjusted based on what’s working. This ensures that interventions remain relevant to the child’s evolving needs.

Working Together: Collaborating With Your Child’s Team

Managing autism and oral fixation is not a one-person job. It often takes a village—parents, therapists, teachers, and specialists—to create consistent and supportive environments.

• Occupational therapists can offer sensory integration tools.
• Speech therapists can work on oral-motor skills.
• ABA therapists can implement structured behavior plans.
• Educators can reinforce coping strategies in the classroom.

Ask your care team to communicate regularly, share notes, and keep the strategy unified. Your consistency at home is just as crucial as what happens during therapy sessions.

Stay Encouraged: Progress is Possible

You’re doing more than managing a behavior—you’re helping your child build lifelong coping strategies. It takes time, patience, and often a lot of trial and error. But with the right support system, progress is not just possible—it’s likely.

Celebrate the small victories. Whether it’s the first time your child chooses a chew toy over a shirt collar, or the first time they ask for help instead of melting down, these are signs of growth.

Get Personalized Help With ABA Therapy

If you’re navigating autism and oral fixation and looking for expert guidance, we invite you to explore how ABA therapy can support your child’s journey.

At Aluma Care, we offer individualized ABA therapy in Kansas, New Hampshire, and Virginia to help families like yours address behaviors with compassion and science-backed strategies. Our team specializes in helping children with autism thrive—at home, in school, and in the community.

Don’t wait to get the support your child deserves. Contact us today and take the next step toward empowering your child with tools that make a difference.