Understanding and Managing Chewing Behavior While Exploring Humming as Stimming

Chewing behavior and humming are both common among individuals on the autism spectrum. These behaviors are often linked to sensory processing differences and can be forms of self-regulation or stimming. In this blog, we will explore managing chewing behavior and answering the question, "Is humming stimming?" By understanding these behaviors, caregivers, educators, and individuals themselves can learn effective ways to address sensory needs and promote well-being.

What is Stimming?

Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, involves repetitive actions that help people regulate their sensory input. For those on the autism spectrum, stimming may manifest in a variety of ways—hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or even more subtle behaviors like tapping fingers, humming, or chewing. Stimming is a way for individuals to manage their environment, reduce stress, or increase focus.

Is Humming Stimming?

Humming is indeed a form of stimming for many individuals. While some people hum to stay calm or as a habit, individuals with autism may hum to manage sensory overload or under-stimulation. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of humming can provide a calming effect and help regulate emotions, especially in overwhelming or unfamiliar environments. Humming can also serve as a way to focus during tasks that require attention.

For those who hum as a form of stimming, it’s essential to recognize that the behavior is not harmful, although it may be distracting or confusing in social settings. Understanding that humming is stimming can help caregivers and educators find ways to manage the behavior without completely discouraging it, as stimming serves an important purpose for the individual.

What Causes Chewing Behavior?

Chewing behavior is another common sensory behavior, especially in individuals with autism. The urge to chew can be a result of sensory processing differences, where individuals seek oral stimulation to regulate their senses. Chewing on objects like clothing, toys, or even non-edible items (pica) can provide comfort and help focus the individual during moments of stress or sensory overload.

Several factors may contribute to chewing behavior:

• Sensory-seeking: Some individuals may seek oral stimulation because it provides a satisfying sensory experience. The action of chewing can help them self-soothe or concentrate.

• Anxiety or stress: In stressful situations, some individuals may chew as a way to manage anxiety and maintain emotional balance.

• Boredom or under-stimulation: Chewing may also occur when an individual is bored or not receiving enough sensory input from their surroundings, leading them to create their own stimulation.

While chewing can be beneficial for sensory regulation, it can also pose challenges, such as damaging personal belongings or leading to inappropriate chewing habits.

Managing Chewing Behavior

Managing chewing behavior requires a thoughtful approach. Since chewing serves a sensory purpose, simply stopping the behavior may cause more distress for the individual. Instead, offering alternatives and creating a supportive environment can help manage the behavior effectively. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Provide Sensory Alternatives

Instead of discouraging chewing altogether, offer safe and appropriate alternatives. There are many products designed for sensory seekers, such as:

• Chewelry: Jewelry made of silicone or other safe materials that individuals can chew on discreetly.

• Chewing toys: There are various oral motor tools, such as chewy tubes, that provide the necessary stimulation without damaging personal items.

• Gum or crunchy snacks: For older individuals, offering gum or snacks like carrots and apples can fulfill the oral sensory need in a more socially acceptable way.

2. Address Anxiety and Stress

If chewing is a response to anxiety or stress, it’s crucial to address the underlying emotional needs. Create a calm and predictable environment to reduce anxiety triggers. Consider teaching relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help the individual cope with stress in alternative ways.

3. Increase Sensory Input

For individuals who chew due to under-stimulation or boredom, increasing their sensory input throughout the day may reduce the need for chewing. Sensory activities such as playing with fidget toys, engaging in physical activity, or participating in sensory-friendly games can help fulfill their sensory needs.

4. Educate About Social Settings

If chewing or humming becomes problematic in social settings, educating the individual on when and where these behaviors are more appropriate can help. You can teach the individual to use their sensory tools in private or less distracting ways. It’s important to approach this with patience and understanding, as stimming behaviors play a crucial role in their self-regulation.

The Balance Between Managing and Accepting

Both chewing and humming serve as coping mechanisms for many individuals with autism. When exploring the question, “Is humming stimming?”, and finding ways to manage chewing behavior, it’s essential to recognize that these behaviors are not inherently negative. Instead, they are responses to sensory needs that help the individual navigate the world more comfortably.

Completely eliminating these behaviors may lead to more stress or discomfort. Therefore, the goal should be managing these behaviors in a way that supports the individual’s sensory needs while balancing the requirements of their social environment.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing chewing behavior and recognizing humming as stimming are important steps in providing effective support for individuals on the autism spectrum. By offering appropriate sensory alternatives, addressing underlying causes like anxiety, and creating a supportive environment, caregivers and educators can help individuals manage their sensory needs in a healthy way.

Both behaviors are natural responses to the individual’s environment and play a key role in helping them self-regulate. With understanding, patience, and the right tools, these behaviors can be managed in a way that supports both personal comfort and social inclusion.