Biting can be a challenging behaviour for parents and caregivers to manage, especially if the child is autistic. It is likely you just long for your child to fit in and play with all the other children so when they do something as shocking as biting another child it can be heart-breaking.
It is important to remember however that biting is a common behaviour for children with autism and is often a result of communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or stress.
Here are some steps to try if your autistic child is biting
Identify the cause: Try to identify the cause of the biting behaviour. Is the child biting because they are in pain, hungry, tired, or overstimulated? Are they trying to communicate a need or feeling? Understanding the reason behind the biting can help you address the behaviour effectively.
Provide a safe outlet: Provide the child with a safe outlet for their emotions and energy, such as a soft toy to bite or physical activities to expend energy.
Use positive reinforcement: Reinforce positive behaviour by providing praise, attention, or a small reward when the child does not bite.
Use redirection: When the child begins to bite, try to redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity or object.
Teach alternative behaviours: Teach the child alternative behaviours to biting, such as using words to express their needs or feelings or using a calming technique such as deep breathing or a quiet activity.
Maintain a consistent routine: Maintaining a consistent routine can help reduce stress and unpredictability, which can contribute to biting.
Seek professional support: If the biting behaviour is persistent, seek the support of a professional, such as a behaviour therapist or psychologist. They can help you develop a comprehensive behaviour plan and provide additional support and resources.
Summary
It’s important to remember that behaviour change takes time and patience. Be consistent in your approach and don’t be discouraged if progress is slow. With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to reduce and eliminate biting behaviour in your autistic child.
