Rachna Sahney Pargi’s Guide to Reducing Chewing Behavior in Children
Chewing behavior in children, especially those with autism or sensory processing needs, can be a common and challenging issue. It often starts as a way for children to self-soothe, manage anxiety, or cope with sensory overload. While it can be concerning for parents and caregivers, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this behavior and how to address it effectively. This guide relies on insights from noted chewing behavior manager Rachna Sahney Pargi, who offers practical tips to guide your child toward healthier alternatives.
Understanding Chewing Behavior
Chewing behavior can manifest in various forms: clothing, toys, fingers, or other non-food items. Typically, it is a sensory-seeking behavior children use to help regulate their input. For children on the autism spectrum, chewing serves as a form of self-stimulation or even comfort, a manner in which they find focus or try to settle in periods of high stress. The management of chewing behavior is really about understanding why this happens and what it satisfies the child.
According to Rachna Sahney Pargi, a better understanding of the reasons and motivations for this behavior is important. Clearing whether the habit of chewing is a result of anxiety, boredom, or sensory seeking can be useful in devising appropriate solutions.
Actions in Improving Habit of Chewing Behavior
Identify Triggers and Patterns
The first step toward managing the chewing behavior is to observe and identify when and why your child chews. Is it during times of stress, excitement, or boredom? Keeping a behavior journal can help track these patterns. Rachna Sahney Pargi emphasizes that understanding the context for the behaviors will help drive the choice of interventions.
Instead of trying to eliminate the behavior all at once, provide your child with safer alternatives for chewing. Chewable jewelry, silicone tubes, and textured chew toys are all designed to meet sensory needs more safely. These tools can be particularly effective if your child chews on inappropriate items like clothing or small objects. Pargi advises introducing these alternatives gradually and encouraging their use during times when the child is most likely to chew.
Use Sensory Activities
The concept of integrating sensory activities helps reduce the urge to chew. Playing with putty, using fidget toys, or performing heavy work tasks, such as pushing or pulling objects, can be some ways to fulfill sensory needs. A parent must try a variety of sensory inputs in search of what works best for his or her child, according to Pargi, who recognizes the sensing need connected to chewing behavior management.
Implement Coping Skills
Teach the Children Coping Skills
Teach children other ways to manage stress and anxiety so that they do not reach for their chewing. That can be as simple as having them count or breathe deeply, or even entering a silent room for the child to calm down. Consistent practice of these coping skills allows children to develop other ways of dealing with emotions.
If the chewing behavior persists and starts getting in the way of daily life, consider consulting a professional such as an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists, like Rachna Sahney Pargi, specialize in sensory integration and can provide tailored strategies to meet your child’s specific needs. They can assess the child’s sensory profile and suggest activities or interventions that reduce the need for chewing.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Be Patient and Positive: Managing chewing behavior takes time and patience. Celebrate small victories and be understanding of setbacks.
Encourage Communication: Help your child express their needs and emotions. If they are non-verbal or have limited speech, consider using picture cards or sign language.
Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure that your home environment supports your child’s sensory needs. This can be in the form of a quiet nook where she can relax or a box with some accessible sensory toys.
Conclusion
Chewing behavior is often difficult to cope with, but some measures can make things quite effective. What’s necessary is to understand the sensory need associated with the behavior. Using practical advice from experts like Rachna Sahney Pargi and strategies provided by parents and caregivers to ensure safe alternatives and sensory activities combined with coping strategies might be a bit of a hit-or-miss effort, as every child is unique.
You can help your child find healthier ways to meet his or her sensory needs by focusing on underlying causes and being consistent with interventions. Chewing doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With patience, creativity, and support, you can help your child thrive.