If you have an autistic child who keeps spitting then you are not alone. In this article we explain why they may be and what you can do about it.

Autism and spitting

An autistic child may spit due to various reasons, including sensory issues, difficulty with communication, and anxiety or stress.

Spitting can provide sensory stimulation, be a way to express themselves, or release excess saliva.

It may well be likely that they do not like the sensation of having the saliva in their mouth so want to expel it by any means necessary.

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial in addressing the behaviour effectively so it is important to keep an open mind.

What to do if they keep spitting

There are various tactics you can try in order to put a stop to the behaviour. Naturally every child is different but here are some things to consider;

Find the triggers

It is essential to understand the reason behind the behaviour for your specific child.

Autistic children may spit due to various reasons, such as sensory issues, frustration, anxiety, or difficulty communicating.

Identifying the cause can help you find the best approach to address the behaviour.

We would recommend you take notes either on your phone or elsewhere. Record the following details;

• When
• Where
• Who is present
• When your child last ate/drank
• Have they been active (i.e. running around)
• Have they been mouthing items

What you might find is that there are patterns such as possibly your child drinks just prior to spitting. Or it could be that they engage in the behaviour when they’re tired.

Provide a distraction

Once you have identified when and where you think your child is about to spit you can plan to provide a distraction.

Distractions can take many forms but consider sensory needs that he or she might have.

The spitting behaviour may be down to them not liking excess moisture in their mouth. So you could plan to provide them a dry snack such as a rice cracker at appropriate moments.

Alternatively you could provide a distraction which is simply one of your child’s favourite past-times. This could be an electronic device or favourite toy.

Provide appropriate praise

If you do manage to stop your child spitting by diversion or otherwise then it is important to give them positive feedback.

Depending on your child’s level of understanding you should demonstrate how happy you are with them.

You could try picture cards as one option or just display your happiness with a smile and a cuddle.

What you are trying to do is lock in that feeling for your child of them stopping or avoiding spitting being a good thing.

Explain why spitting is bad

This is another tactic which will depend on your child’s levels of communication and understanding.

If you feel your child would understand the reasons why spitting is bad be sure to communicate them. Something like a picture story whereby a child spits and spreads germs making someone else sick could work.

Summary – Autistic child keeps spitting

Managing spitting behaviour in an autistic child requires a multi-faceted approach. It will involve understanding the underlying cause and perhaps providing sensory input.

By working together with your child and using these strategies, you can help reduce and eventually stop the spitting behaviour.