Does anyone know WHY an autistic child will hoard food in his mouth? My neighbor's son, who I babysit, is mildly autistic. He will eat anything, at any time of the day. He has been known to hide food in his mouth if not caught, and even slept the whole night two nights ago with chewed nuts in his cheeks, didn't choke, and still had them in his mouth when he came over to my house. Does anyone WHO DEALS WITH AUTISM know why this happens?
2007-01-31 15:32:05 · 5 answers · asked by Angie 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I forgot to mention that this child is 2 1/2, so the first response doesn't hold up, sorry. I know about autistic kids, my son is autistic, but this is one that I haven't dealt with with mine. I really like the second answer, thanks.
2007-01-31 16:12:55 · update #1
It's called 'perseveration'. Autistic people often have particular behaviors which they seem unable to let go of. The activity may continue on most of thier life. Or sometimes it will change to another behavior or object. The only time you have to watch this is if there is possible bad outcomes to the behavior....like in your neighbors child you must watch for choking. There is little that can be done to change it. Some medications help autistic behaviors. But what you are describing is not unusual for autism. The perseveration comes in many forms and behaviors.
2007-01-31 15:42:25 · answer #1 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I baby sit kids and I have a 2 1/2 yr old that I watch. He does this all the time. I have mentioned it to his mother, who, by the way has a masters degree in psychology. She thinks its a control thing. I dont know if autism has ever been a thought or if she has suspected but is in denial but I have thought--autistic--just because of some of his other behaviors. Wow, read a question, get an answer...thanks!! Sorry I have been of no help to you though.
2007-02-01 06:05:59 · answer #2 · answered by notso_recoveringwino 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Willy is totally wrong. tlbrown nailed it. When ours was 2, he would put small rocks in his ear to where we could not reach them or even see them. We would have to take him to the ENT nearby and have them removed. This happened about 6 times and was frustrating. It was like he couldn't stop himself from doing it. Eventually he moved on from that one. There is always a perseveration of the moment but they are usually not harmful. Just keep up the vigilance.
2007-02-01 11:29:21 · answer #3 · answered by chikkenbone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked with an autistic client who was known to do this also, at a much older age. They just have to be trained, gently encouraged and patiently montiored.
Chipmunks do the same thing, and look how cute they are. How can you be mad at someone for trying to be like a chipmunk?
2007-02-07 15:21:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi! Let me tell you abit more about Austistic children. These children tend to be less aware of their surroundings and are trapped in their own world. I believe that the autistic child who hoard food in his mouth could be because he learnt of certain animals that hides food in the body or something and he is copying it.
Try talking to him and help him express himself. Things will get better over time if he learns to interact with others.
2007-01-31 23:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by Willy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋