Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

Why do some kids bite other kids? 

The oral center (mouth) is a calming center.  Biting provides intense sensory input to an area which feels calming.  Some children may be sensory seekers who seek oral sensory input.  These kids may chew on their hair, hum, make noises, or click their mouths.. The repetition of oral sensory seeking behavior may feel good. 

Intense behaviors may provide dopamine releases; the after effects may be sought out through repeat behaviors and then the behavior becomes a habit. 

So how do I break an oral seeking behavioral pattern?  

We try to meet neurological needs rather than eliminate the oral seeking behavior totally. We provide the child with alternative sensory input.  A variety of exercises and tools exist to help kids regulate.  Finding what sensory input is just right for your child may involve a comprehensive OT evaluation including looking at the child’s sensory profile (patterns of engagement with and filtering of sensory input) as well as their reflexes and body awareness/coordination.  This overall body management will help us develop a plan to help the child be more aware of their body and have useful internal and external prompts to know when they need to seek an oral motor calming tool. 

Biting may also serve a function – such as communication, getting out of an activity, or attempting to get someone to do something.  It really depends on the entire context of what is going on when and where the biting is occurring.  An OT can help you set up the environment, occupation (activity), and task to provide optimal input that is not overwhelming to your child. This sets them up for success!  

Occupational therapy will give you goals, a plan, and the tools you need to address biting (or whatever problem is comes up) hindering your or your child’s occupational performance and task completion.  We are all sensory beings; our unique sensory patterns influence how we calm and focus to promote our own self regulation.

One day at a time, one bite at a time, we want to support you all along the way!  From sensory health to feeding to fine motor to gross motor to self care, we want to help you put the FUN in functional so you can get activities done and enjoy your daily roles & routines.

Clear minds plus strong bodies = emPOWERed, holistic wellness.

Call 859-575-0799 or email kim@beewellot.com to schedule your OT evaluation today!