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Skin picking and Stimming

Newbie

Hi everyone, 

I'm new to all this and trying to offer my child support in navigating their journey. They are under 10 years old and have started self picking, they would normally chew their T-shirt to stim but now also pick. I think it might be happening when they are going to bed and have no stimulation, but that's only a theory as they don't pick when we are together. Does anyone have any tips for stimming and bed time?

Has anyone had much success in supporting them to do something different instead of picking? 

If anyone is a skin picker or would like to share what they get from stimming I would greatly appreciate it. I've read some fantastic information and increasing my understanding on what people get from stimming and self picking will hopefully help me support my child in finding another option/outlet instead of skin picking.

Thank you.

Parents

  • I’m replying quite instinctively rather than with a fully thought-out answer, so take this as ideas rather than solutions. One thought is giving them something safe to hold etc with at bedtime — a small soft toy, textured fabric, or another object that keeps their hands occupied while settling to sleep.

    It may also help to be gentle about drawing awareness to the picking in a neutral, non-judgemental way, but that can sometimes backfire by increasing focus on it, so it’s very individual. Bedtime can be tricky because there’s less stimulation and more internal sensation.

    I don’t have a definitive answer, but you’re clearly approaching this with care and curiosity, which really matters. Tools like ChatGPT might also offer practical ideas for alternative stims that meet the same need without causing harm.

    Take care and hopefully you find something that helps. 

Reply

  • I’m replying quite instinctively rather than with a fully thought-out answer, so take this as ideas rather than solutions. One thought is giving them something safe to hold etc with at bedtime — a small soft toy, textured fabric, or another object that keeps their hands occupied while settling to sleep.

    It may also help to be gentle about drawing awareness to the picking in a neutral, non-judgemental way, but that can sometimes backfire by increasing focus on it, so it’s very individual. Bedtime can be tricky because there’s less stimulation and more internal sensation.

    I don’t have a definitive answer, but you’re clearly approaching this with care and curiosity, which really matters. Tools like ChatGPT might also offer practical ideas for alternative stims that meet the same need without causing harm.

    Take care and hopefully you find something that helps. 

Children
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