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Picking

ginger_gnome

My 8yo son has a habit of picking ... often he picks his fingers until they bleed and then he'll stop for a while and start again a few weeks/months later.  Picking his nose is a constant although DH and I frequently ask him to stop.  My son also has a habit of putting his hands into his pants ... either front or back.

Just lately we've noticed that DS's nose is beginning to get spots around it and a bit scabby.  I'm concerned that he's going to end up really sore and infected with his constant picking and poor hand-washing.

We're tried explaining to him that it's not good for him to pick but it doesn't stop him ... it's a habit for him.  We are consistent in trying to distract him and stop him but as soon as he can the fingers are back up his nose or down his pants.  We also make him wash his hands regularly (which he hates!).

Any ideas?  I hate the thought of his nose hurting him :-(

  • I pick my nose in private, but I used to pick in front of my parents and brother, much to their annoyance. I also pick my finger nails, usually when I am under stress, and I rub my eyes repetitively when I am stressed. Did not realise this was an AS trait-I thought this was just a quirk of mine. I was not aware that I stimmed, although I walk on tiptoes (in the house only) when anxious and I rock and flick my fingers when under stress. Maybe this is stimming?.

    I also smell my fingers after picking my nose because I like the smell!. Embarrassing to admit, but asperger's syndrome has immature habits attached to the diagnosis so this is just another eccentricity.  I am obsessed with the body and will spend several minutes each day using a mirror to gaze into my mouth and analyze every bit of of it!.

    Sorry to be crude and gross but we have got to be open. Nice to know I am not the only one with these habits

  • It is interesting what common traits people with Autism/Asperger share. 

    I am 35 years old almost and have picked my nose for most of my life.  I also bite my fingernails, and the little bits of loose skin in the corners.  I scratch my nose from time to time. 

    Coincidentally, I have started to wonder myself whether my nose picking (disgusting, I know!) was a Asperger trait or a form of stimming. 

  • Thank you - that's a great idea and I'll give it a try.  Thanks!

     

  • i donno it if will work or not but its just an idea since my consuellor suggested a rubber band when i was self harming it might work in the same way for your son. 

  • umm maybe you could try a way to distract him or try putting a rubber band around his wrist so he picks at that instead