if we take his tshirt off he rubs it on the carpet, can anyone offer some practical advice please?
2007-03-01 08:31:48 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I have worked with autistic children who have sensory needs. One of the most helpful tools I used putting a student on a chew break to deal with his need to chew. The occupational therapists I worked with helped me to set up the diet. Essentially what this did was give my student the input he needed and after several weeks his need to chew and stick things in his mouth decreased where eventually the chew breaks became a 2x a day transitional tool. You son is definetly looking for some kind of sensory input and I believe he is not getting enough from his t-shirt which is why he keeps doing it. You could try to give him a piece of material with alot more texture to rub his face on at designated intervals. The student I worked with started out every hour and we gradually decreased the number of times in a day. If you are not comfortable with this then consult with the school districts Occupational Therapist. Even if he is not being serviced by the OT's they can help you with his sensory needs.
2007-03-01 08:50:41 · answer #1 · answered by ma2snoopy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he is craving the texture the t-shirt and carpet give him. My brother is autistic (high functioning) and he has issues with texture all the time, he can't wear jeans or take a shower because of the feel it has on his skin, but he likes other texture. It sounds like taking away the object isn't going to really stop this behavior. I would try to find a texture that you feel comfortable with him rubbing on his face or show him how else to feel texture (with his hands, etc.) Maybe a soft baby blanket or a soft washcloth. Depending on how autistic he is, you can use it to teach him something like washing his face.
I hope this helps.
2007-03-01 08:38:46 · answer #2 · answered by Serena 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he may be seeking deep tactile sensory input. Try offering toys that are resistive in nature such as stretch Armstrong, play dough, anything with heavy push, pull, inputs.Have him play with gross motor activities such as running, swinging, hanging, etc. He may also like infant toys that offer vibration input - available at many toy stores, which he can put on his face or cheeks. This behavior serves a need for him so try to find an acceptable way of providing it rather than fighting it. Best of luck to you!
2007-03-01 12:45:11 · answer #3 · answered by mom-o-3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't have experience with autistic children but, i read a book that the mom of an autistic child wrote and she had similar experiences anyway, i recommend it, if you haven't already read it,...The Boy Who Loved Windows.
2007-03-01 08:44:18 · answer #4 · answered by C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wish i could help, my son does the same thing. he will also rub his face on windows or metal objects. I could put him naked in an empty room, and he would still entertain himself with his fingers and putting his face on the floor. good luck, it breaks my heart too.
2007-03-01 08:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by photoguy1967 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
give him another shirt, blanket, or rag that he can rub his face against. my niece had the same problem, and it worked like a charm.
2007-03-01 08:36:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
make him the next linus, like the one from charlie brown
give him a blanky
2007-03-01 08:39:58 · answer #7 · answered by Bru 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋