Autism "Chinning" Help/Advice?
3 answers /
Last post: 24/02/2024 at 8:15 pm
Hi All,
My son is 12 and has had a diagnosis of ASD (with Sensory Processing Disorder) since being very young. He's a healthy happy boy, surrounded by lots of love, and is really starting to flourish.
His challenges present themselves (in the main) as communication difficulties, and although his speech is really coming on (as is his reading :) ) this is still very much the focus of the support he requires.
However, for a long time, he has relieved sensory stimulation/stress and emotion by applying pressure to his chin and jaw. I believe that this is called "Chinning". His usual behaviour is that he pushes the heel of his thumb into his chin when experiencing sensory stimulation or excitement. It's not a huge problem, and we're not embarrassed or concerned by this behaviour at all.
What is becoming a bit of an issue is that his chin is starting to become sore, swollen, and almost bulbous, and I wondered if anyone else has this issue, and consequently any advice (aside from visiting the GP/Health care pros).
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Andrew,
We've moved your thread into our drop-in clinic child mental health, so you can get the advice and support you need
Hi Andrew
I'm Catherine, one of the Parent Supporters here at Netmums. Thanks for reaching out. You are wondering about 'Chinning' which you feel has a sensory function for your son which you aren't worried or concerned about, other than it may make his chin feel sore.
Andrew, I wonder if it would be worth having a chat to an Occupational Therapist as they will be able to suggest some alternatives to try, when his chin is sore, which will give him the same sensory feedback and response. Are you linked in with any autism charities or support groups? If not, you might find the National Autistic Society website a useful resource: Advice and guidance (autism.org.uk)
Hopefully some of our community will be along too to offer support but do come back to us if you would like to chat some more.
Catherine
