Hello! Im new!!

Hello Everyone,

 

Ive just discovered this chat site so thought id post!!

Ive got a nearly 5 year old daughter who does not have any special needs. She starts 'Big School' next month - scary!!

Ive for a nearly 3 year old son who was diagnosed with Austism on 28th Feb this year. He is starting at a special school in their nursery in September too.

Plus, Im pregnant with bubs no3 - due in January!

So, lots going on for me at the moment!! Have been reading through some of the posts on here and its so nice to be in contact with so many people in a similar situation with me and learning to live life with Autism in it! I love my son to bits and would not change him for the world.

A quick question for everyone - my son grinds his teeth really badly. Is this an Autistic trait? Hi Peaditrician did ask me at our last appointment is he did this, but i didnt think to ask her! It has got really bad recently and he is doing it increasingly. Not only does it sound awful, but im worried that it might be damaging his teeth! Does anyone have any tips on how to stop/reduce him doing it?

Thanks!!

Sue x

Parents
  • My husband used to grind his teeth loads at night when he was anxious and my son used to at night.  Both have ASD.  My son has stopped doing it at night but went through a phase of doing it during the day.  He eventually stopped and started something else which I can't remember now but we go through many things such as nail biting, finger biting, pulling his eyelashes etc.  All of which I think are ways of coping with general anxiety and/or hyperactivity.

    If it is during the day, you could try giving him a toy that he can fiddle with.  Perhaps with particular textures he likes.  Maybe a stretchy rubber insect for example or a small beanbag to hold in his hand.  Something he could keep in his hand.  You can get loads of ideas online under sensory toys. My son loves blu tac but he is 9 and you may be afraid of him putting it in his mouth.

    Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Reply
  • My husband used to grind his teeth loads at night when he was anxious and my son used to at night.  Both have ASD.  My son has stopped doing it at night but went through a phase of doing it during the day.  He eventually stopped and started something else which I can't remember now but we go through many things such as nail biting, finger biting, pulling his eyelashes etc.  All of which I think are ways of coping with general anxiety and/or hyperactivity.

    If it is during the day, you could try giving him a toy that he can fiddle with.  Perhaps with particular textures he likes.  Maybe a stretchy rubber insect for example or a small beanbag to hold in his hand.  Something he could keep in his hand.  You can get loads of ideas online under sensory toys. My son loves blu tac but he is 9 and you may be afraid of him putting it in his mouth.

    Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Children
No Data