I like to chew things.

hello, 

  I'm also new to the site if it helps, I'm 18 and I got diagnosed when I was 16 I didn't really get much support so like yourself I did a lot of research about Autism and one thing I've found out through experience is that it's a learning process I'm still finding out new things about myself and how autism affects me however I've just found out about autism classes where you and your parents can go and get help and support by professionals I'm currently on the waiting list but have heard nothing but good things maybe perhaps you can look into classes near you. I also love to chew on things right now it's my lanyard from college it has teeth marks all over it, I found it helps a lot whenever I'm anxious or my senses are overloaded as it helps to keep me grounded. I to have discovered something similar to what you're describing it's a brick stick that looks like a lego brick and comes like a necklace I'm very much looking forward to it being delivered as I have found out that my teeth hurt if I chew on my lanyard for a long period of time however not chewing it making everything worse. I would highly recommend telling your mother about maybe getting the bracelet you've describe as it will help your teeth in the long run, I was also scared about people knowing I chew on things and knowing I was autistic but I told my teachers and I'm now finally getting support in my work, I've also told the people in my class about both being diagnosed and chewing and I can honestly say they didn't have any problems with either but they were fascinated about it all and asked many questions about both. I feel as though it has made college a lot easier now they know because now they know that sometimes it takes me longer to understand something or that I often say things in what can be considered a very straight forward way and whenever I do so they help me to understand that it may not have been appropriate and what a better way of saying it would have be. I would also recommend researching body language, facial expressions and how to recognise emotions as this helped me a lot in social situations as I was more aware of what was happening around me and how to give of the right messages. 

I am also someone who likes to chew. Chewing gum does't help me. I have a chewable dog tag.

One solution might be to chew chewing gum.  If an employer or college knows of the need of a person with Autism to chew, then they might be more understanding of the chewing of gum as a coping mechanism.

Thank you philippab. The canadian ones were (I think? With the exchange rate) £30 for 3 without postage or packaging wich I could not work out. As far as I could work out you can only buy them in 3's. The UK ones are £12.50 each which means they are more expensive. Although I expect they will be cheeper overall because postage will be less. 

Both products look very similar though. I will have to think about it though. Mum's worse now too so I will have to wait to talk about it to her another time. 

Amy

Hi Amy. There is a similar thing which you can buy here in the UK, the website's here: http://www.chewigem.co.uk/. Just posting in case it's cheaper. Sorry to hear that you and your mum aren't good. I hope things improve.

i use to love sucking a dummy i have stoped now but i would love to stat again i might get a dummy when i go to the shops.

Thank you for the replies.

I have mentiond it to my mum when she was talking about the fact that my school are getting an iPad with an autism app on it to help people with autism. (just as I leave!-brilliant) and that because she is part of the PTA that are funding it she is going to ask them if I can try it so we know if we should get one or not. So, I showed her this site and she just said we can not have everything that looks good. So, now I am stuck. 

Mum is not very well at the moment and I am not good either so things are hard for me at the moment. All I can do is ask her again another time.

Amy 

zone_tripper said:

As a child, I used to chew things; my fingernails, pencils, pens, hands of Action Men and Star Wars figures, paper, possibly plasticine, bits of white metal Games Workshop miniatures, solder, etc; the last two possibly containing lead! 

I still chew my finger nails. 

I forgot to mention something else in my posting above...

...As a child, I used to bite too hard on glasses when I was drinking out of them.  So much so, I would sometimes fracture the glass by biting on it too hard!

Hi Amy

Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting.  Don't worry if you post something in the wrong place, because the moderators can always move things around.  By the way your  first  post was fine and posted perfectly.

My son who has Asperger's sits and chews his nails all the time.  His fingers are a real mess but it helps him to cope with the stresses in his life. if you look around you lots of other people are chewing things all the time such as gum or the ends of pens.  I think the thing you have found from Canada would be a great idea and I am sure your mum would love to have a look at them with you online.  Your recent diagnosis will have been a shock to both of you but you can both now start looking to the future and making things easier for you.  

Colincat - mod 

P.s well done on going to college

As a child, I used to chew things; my fingernails, pencils, pens, hands of Action Men and Star Wars figures, paper, possibly plasticine, bits of white metal Games Workshop miniatures, solder, etc; the last two possibly containing lead! 

I still chew my finger nails. 

Hi Amy

Nice to hear from you and good for you heading for college.

A couple of random thoughts came into my head.  I am guessing chewing gum does not give the sensory benefit you need but thought I would mention it just incase. 

I know you have only recently discovered your diagnosis so you may not feel ready yet, but you could just tell your fellow students you have Autism and get it out in the open feeling proud of the great person you sound from your post.  Alternatively tell them that you like to chew something, it is a habit that helps you concentrate.  As Blossom said, it is very common to have some habit that helps a person concentrate or stay calm when stressed and I would not expect any negative responses as a result.  The folk you are speaking to will have something they do to but there habit may not be able to be mentioned in public, ha, ha.  My jokes are not always funny, just in a silly mood tonight.

Have you thought of getting in touch with the local NAS branch?  They may be able to offer you a lot of support.  It is a huge amount to take onboard when you get your diagnosis and can help to meet others that have been through the same as you or are going through it now.

Do you feel uncomfortable talking about Autism with your Mum?  I think you should try and get one of those neclaces you saw if they are affordable.  I am biting my nails right now....

Good luck Amy

Hi Amy.

I was very interested to hear your post because our grandson who is 11 and who is autistic also likes to chew things. This, I believe, is a very normal thing for people with autism to do and I can believe that it helps you a lot.

If you have a good look around you at people without autism you will see that many of them also do things that make them feel comforted. Some people bite their nails, chew their fingers, pen tops or tap their fingers all the time, and other really quite unpleasant things sometimes. So you see, you are not so different just because you find it comforting to chew things. Its not true that only babies chew things..its a natural habit that many people feel the need to do.

Perhaps you could keep something to chew in your pocket and just nip into the toilets every so often when you feel the need to do it. Also you can get see through pen toppers to chew for people with autism.You can get several types at Amazon.

I wish you the very best of luck with your college studies.

Blossom