Life with a child with ASD can throw up any number of challenges, including trying to work out how to stop an autistic child picking their nose.

In the below article we explore some of the reasons behind the behaviour and give you some tips to resolve.

Autism and nose picking

On this site we don’t stray away from the awkward subjects! No matter if it is uncomfortable or even disgusting, we are here to help.

The truth is, most of us are just trying to teach our children how to fit into society.

Constant nose picking can be a blocker to that.

It is not so much the act in itself which is the problem, it is the frequency and where it is taking place.

It is fair to say that a number of neuro-typical people pick their nose also, but few would do it brazenly in front of others.

Reasons behind the nose picking

Motivation for nose picking will likely be due to a collection of reasons. Here are some possibles;

Sensory feedback

Those with ASD can often crave sensory feedback in a number of ways. The feeling of removing a booger may actually be pleasurable to them.

Although it is a different process, the feedback my be similar to something like skin picking.

To stop irritation

In the same way that autistic children can be hypersensitive to things like clothing labels, boogers can severely irritate them.

Without wanting to put you off your meals, if you think about it, boogers can be sharp and uncomfortable.

So if an autistic child is hypersensitive to irritation it is understandable that they want it removed.

Lack of social understanding

As mentioned above, we believe that this is the centre of the problem.

Removing an uncomfortable booger in your nose is one thing but doing it in front of others is something else.

Autistic children often don’t understand social boundaries. These are the unwritten rules of society that most of us abide to.

To someone with autism a booger is just a problem which needs fixing, someone watching is irrelevant.

Habit/routine

It is likely that this behaviour may well have turned into a habit. Routines or habits can bring comfort to kids with autism but unfortunately they can include negative behaviours.

A child picking their nose is a repeatable behaviour which asks for nothing in return.

With that in mind the predicability may bring comfort to your child.

How to stop an autistic child picking their nose

Now we know the likely reasons behind the behaviour it’s about trying to come up with a plan.

Here are some things to consider;

Teach them social boundaries

This is something you may have tried already but it is worth repitition. Depending on your child’s level of communication and understanding, you have to try to get the message across.

Consider alternative forms of communication such as picture cards and social stories.

Simple red and green emotion cards can be a really effective way of highlighting appropriate behaviour.

You could also draw up a table of things which are acceptable to do in front of others and those which aren’t.

List nose picking alongside such behaviours as taking their close off or touching themselves inappropriately.

The chances are that your child may have already worked out that some of these activities aren’t for public view.

If you can get them to associate nose picking with other negative behaviours they may stop.

Teach them to blow their nose

Nose blowing is an activity which a number of autistic children struggle with.

There are various tactics to try, we have an article on the topic here. But the key to progression is patience, repitition and reward.

If you can get your child to master nose blowing it is a much more socially acceptable way of clearing their nose.

Provide a sensory alternative

As mentioned above, your child’s behaviour may well be in order to provide sensory feedback.

If you believe that to be relevent, always carry some sort of sensory toy with you to distract them.

Look for triggers of when you think your child will start picking their nose and jump into action.

Offering something like a squishy ball or a fidget spinner may distract them and prevent the nose picking.

Reward good behaviour

Whilst it is easy to focus on the negatives, it is important to positively highlight progression.

If for example your child goes to pick their nose but changes their mind, be sure to give them positive reinforcement.

This can be in the form of verbal praise, a hug or even a treat.

With time they will associate the positive feedback with the decision to not pick their nose.

Summary – How to stop an autistic child picking their nose

We all know that raising an autistic child can be tough.

Nose-picking is just one of the many challenges you may encounter.

However with the right strategies and a compassionate approach, you can help your child overcome this habit.

Remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Try to tailor your approach to your child’s specific strengths and needs.

With patience and commitment to a plan you can make progress in this challenging area.