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I like to chew things.

Amy

Hello

I am someone with Autism but I have only just been diagnosed and this is my first post here. I have noticed this site is very complicated and confusing so I hope I have done everything correctly.

I am 16 and left school on Friday. I am hoping to go collage next year. 
Now I know that I have autism not much has happened to help me. I have done research and learnt a lot about myself that I never knew and worked out why I have always felt different from everyone else. 

One of the things I always do is to chew things. At the moment it is these rubber bracelets. No-one knows about it because I am too ashamed to tell them so I only ever do it when I am alone. It really helps me because if I do not chew then my mouth hurts sometimes-but if I chew too much my teeth hurt. I think it hurts if I do not chew because I am shy and do not talk very much at school so I do not use my mouth. 

I have found these things online which are made in Canada and designed for children with sensory issues. Without trying to 'promote' them in any way because I do not know if this is allowed or not. Basically they are necklaces that have a rubber shape on the end for a child to chew or fidget with. 

I think one of these sounds amazing.. I could wear it to collage and it would help me so much. But, the problem is that I would have to talk to someone about it (like my mum) and ask her to buy one for me. 
Another problem is that if people picked on me for it. I have been bullied all my life so I am used to it, but it still scares me that new people will do it and I do not know why. 
I am not trying to look like the best teenager around and I do not want to have friends, but I think that to do the best in collage I will need to join in with people sometimes and this will be hard anyway but made even harder if everyone thinks I am a baby.

Can I have some suggestions for what I should do about this please?

Amy 

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  • 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

Reply

  • 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

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