Humming, eye contact, and chewing behaviors in autism child

Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of those complex neurodevelopmental conditions that brings diversity, and autistic individuals are affected in so many different ways. The parents and caregivers of children with autism sometimes are faced with unusual behaviors that are challenging but also oh so adorable. This article is going to take a peek at three common behaviors of an autistic child: humming, difficulties with eye contact, and chewing behaviors. We shall look at reasons behind these behaviors, and there’ll be practical strategies that would help your child develop.

 Why do Autistic Children Hum?

 An humming autistic child is often hummed by thousands of parents and educators. Although sometimes confusing to people, humming has a number of important purposes that can be uniquely geared to meet the needs of children with autism.

 Why Do Autistic Children Hum?

1. Self Regulation: Humming may act as a self regulating strategy in overstimulation or calm themselves down for high stress situations.
2. Attention: For some children, humming is how they focus on what is happening or maintain silence in a cacophonous environment.
3. Language: Humming could be an even more effective method for nonverbal children to convey emotions or requirements.
4. Stimming: Humming, among many other common stimming activities, can offer some form of comfort and control to the affected child.

Strategies for Controlling Humming

Determine triggers: Monitor the times and places your child hums to understand why.

Choices: Instead of noise canceling earphones and background soft music, give the child choices.

Humming zones: Designate an area to be O.K. with humming as this helps them learn about boundaries.

Teach communication skills: In case the child is nonverbal, introduce a system of picture cards or sign language. 

Eye Contact in Autistic Children

There are few things more challenging to develop in an eye contact for autistic kids than eye contact; that in itself is a pretty important social skill. Most children with autism spectrum disorder experience annoyance and frustration as a result of the act of eye contact. https://thebigblogs.com/

Why Is Eye Contact Problematic?

1. Overwhelming at times: Eye contact may overwhelm some autistic people.
2. Processing information: Glancing away can help the children to concentrate on verbal information.
3. Social anxiety: The intensity of eye contact may cause discomfort during social situations.

Strategies for Building Eye Contact

Start slow. Try a few seconds and gradually add a few seconds more.

Use visual aids. Try using stickers around his eyes, or stick funny frames on his glasses to keep his attention focused.

Play games. Engage your child in activities he enjoys while practicing eye contact.

Positive Reinforcement. Praise your child when you do catch his eye even for a split second.

Be aware of culture: Note that rules controlling eye contact vary from one culture to another.

Discussing Chewing Patterns of Autistic Children

Chewing behaviors for autistic children might chew for one or two reasons. While it is normal to chew at times, incessant or inappropriate chewing is a habit that has to be stopped sometimes.

Causes for Chewing Behaviors

1. Sensory seeking: Chewing provides proprioceptive input, which is calming and organizing.
2. Anxiety release: Some children find chewing as a method of anxiety release.
3. Oral motor requirements: Chewing might be used as an activity to develop jaw muscles or to fulfill oral craving.
4. Habit: Indeed, in some children, chewing even becomes a habit.

 SelfRegulation of Chewing Behaviors

Create safe alternatives: Provide chewable jewelry, pencil toppers, or a specifically designed chewing tool.

Manage their sensory needs: Engage your child with sensory activities so he/she does not need to chew.

 Clearly define the rules: Educate your child about when and where it is appropriate to chew.

 Reinforce positive behavior: Be sure to reinforce your child for any utilization of appropriate alternatives to chewing.

 Seek help: Work with professionals like occupational therapists or speech therapists who can help your child with underlying conditions.

Understand Neurodiversity and Support Your Child

As you address these behaviors, remember that the autism spectrum is vast, and something that has worked for one child may not work for another. The goal is not only to encourage your child to learn appropriate social skills and work through behaviors but to encourage their neurodiversity and celebrate the individual aspects of your child.

 Home

1. Learn: Learn as much about autism and recent research so you are better able to understand and more readily meet the needs of your child.
2. Build a support network: Friend with other parents, attend support groups, and become extremely close with the child’s educators and therapists.
3. Be patient: Things are not going to hurry up, but if there is continued effort and support from others, then positive changes start showing within time.
4. Stress strengths: Find ways to develop your child’s talents or interest besides the challenges.
5. Advocacy for inclusion: Work within schools and other community settings for children to be in mainstream environments.

Conclusion

Common behaviors in an autistic child include humming, inability to look a person in the eye, and chewing. These activities are very significant ones that result in several functions for daily living. If the need behind such behaviors is explained and appropriate strategies are developed for support, most parents and caregivers can work effectively with their children while experiencing social situations more comfortably with honor towards their unique needs and views.

Remember, no two autistic children are alike, and what may be suitable for the first can’t be applicable to the second one. You have to be patient with your child, and according to how they grow and develop, you’ll have to change and live according to their needs. And when an autistic child receives love, understanding, and appropriate support, they thrive and become the best that they could be.