Humming, Eye Contact, and Chewing: How to Support Autistic Kids’ Unique Behaviors

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways. For parents, caregivers, and educators of autistic children, understanding and supporting their unique behaviors is crucial for fostering a nurturing environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore three common behaviors observed in autistic children – humming, eye contact difficulties, and chewing – and discuss strategies to support these children effectively.

Humming: A Soothing Mechanism for Autistic Children

Many autistic children engage in humming as a self-soothing behavior. This repetitive vocalization can serve multiple purposes for a humming autistic child:

1. Sensory regulation: Humming can help filter out overwhelming environmental stimuli, allowing the child to focus and feel calm.
2. Emotional expression: Some autistic children use humming to express their emotions when they struggle with verbal communication.
3. Comfort and security: The rhythmic nature of humming can provide a sense of predictability and control in uncertain situations.

Supporting a Humming Autistic Child

To support a child who hums frequently:

• Acknowledge the behavior: Understand that humming is not disruptive behavior but a coping mechanism.
• Create humming-friendly spaces: Designate areas where the child can freely hum without disturbing others.
• Incorporate music: Introduce musical activities that channel the child’s inclination to hum productively.
• Teach alternative coping strategies: Gradually introduce other calming techniques, such as deep breathing or fidget toys.

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate humming entirely but to help the child manage it appropriately in different social contexts.

Eye Contact: Navigating Social Interactions for Autistic Kids

Many autistic individuals find maintaining eye contact challenging or uncomfortable. This difficulty with eye contact for autism kids can stem from various factors:

1. Sensory overload: Direct eye contact can be overwhelming and distracting for some autistic children.
2. Social anxiety: The pressure to make eye contact may cause stress and discomfort.
3. Difficulty interpreting facial expressions: Some autistic children struggle to read emotions through eye contact, making it less meaningful for them.

Strategies to Improve Eye Contact for Autism Kids

While it’s important not to force eye contact, there are gentle ways to encourage it:

• Start with indirect gazing: Encourage looking at the bridge of the nose or forehead instead of direct eye contact.
• Use visual aids: Incorporate pictures or drawings with eyes to practice gazing in a low-pressure environment.
• Play games: Engage in activities that naturally promote eye contact, such as peek-a-boo or mimicking facial expressions.
• Provide positive reinforcement: Praise the child for any attempts at eye contact, no matter how brief.

Remember that the quality of interaction matters more than eye contact itself. Focus on building meaningful connections rather than enforcing rigid social norms.

Chewing Behaviors: Understanding and Managing Oral Stimulation

Chewing behaviors for autism children are common and can serve several purposes:

1. Sensory seeking: Chewing provides proprioceptive input, which can be calming and organizing for the nervous system.
2. Anxiety relief: Some children chew to alleviate stress or anxiety.
3. Oral motor stimulation: Chewing can help develop oral motor skills and strength.

Managing Chewing Behaviors for Autism Children

To support a child with chewing behaviors:

• Provide safe alternatives: Offer chewable jewelry, pencil toppers, or specialized chewing tools designed for oral stimulation.
• Establish clear boundaries: Teach the child when and where chewing is appropriate, and which items are safe to chew.
• Address underlying needs: Work with occupational therapists to determine if the chewing behavior is sensory-seeking or anxiety-related, and develop appropriate interventions.
• Incorporate oral motor activities: Introduce activities that provide similar sensory input, such as blowing bubbles or using straws.

By providing safe outlets for chewing, you can protect the child’s dental health and reduce the risk of choking on inappropriate items.

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Holistic Approach to Support

As we navigate the unique behaviors of autistic children, it’s crucial to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach. This perspective recognizes autism as a natural variation of human neurology rather than a deficit to be “fixed.” Here are some overarching principles to keep in mind:

1. Celebrate strengths: Focus on the child’s abilities and interests, using them as foundations for growth and learning.
2. Accommodate sensory needs: Create environments that respect the child’s sensory sensitivities and preferences.
3. Foster self-advocacy: Teach children to communicate their needs and boundaries effectively.
4. Educate others: Help peers, family members, and educators understand and respect autistic behaviors.
5. Seek professional guidance: Collaborate with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists to develop comprehensive support strategies.

Conclusion: Nurturing Acceptance and Understanding

Supporting autistic children’s unique behaviors requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to see the world through their eyes. By embracing behaviors like humming, respecting difficulties with eye contact, and managing chewing tendencies, we create an environment where autistic children can thrive.

Remember, every autistic child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay flexible, observe closely, and always prioritize the child’s well-being and comfort. With the right support and understanding, autistic children can develop the skills they need to navigate the world confidently while staying true to their authentic selves.

By fostering acceptance and providing targeted support, we not only help autistic children but also enrich our communities with the valuable perspectives and talents they bring to the world.