[ Post a Response | Oral/Motor and Voice ]
Posted by dscl on 9/9/2004, 8:39 pm, in reply to "Excessive mouthing"
70.60.101.128
Excessive mouthing is tough. Given the CA and the MA it appears that this child is STUCK in the mouthing stage. You already knew that but caretakers may not be following thru with recommendations at home. He should be on a sensory diet throughout the day. The children I have had go thru times like this so it is not daily but it can last for weeks or months. With one in particular it seemed that the more he mouthed the more he was just getting overstimulated. We (mom,pt, ot, and myself) never got a handle on it. I even tried to desensitize him with texured fabric swatches on his face, a cold probe, etc. He rooted to mouth whatever I presented. After a very long time we finally resorted to just saying no. I really don't think anyone knows exactly what to do. You may want to try and call or e-mail some of the people that present workshops on oral motor. I had one parent put her child on medication which really helped with his excessive chewing, bruxism, focus, etc. He was six and it has helped. He needs to chew when he is cutting his 6 yr molars or is stressed out which means more sensory activities. What is he eating? Is he ready for the next stage of food? If he is on a regular diet can he eat foods which require lots of chewing-stall licorice, pizza crust, beef jerky, some meats requiring lots of chewing, bagels. Put some pungent flavor sprays ( lemon, lime) on what he mouths. When does he not mouth? Is there a pattern? Have Mom do a three day sample of his mouthing activity and what he ate. Good luck. I don't think I have been of much help>
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Thank you for sharing!