Chewiing

[Lughnasa]

My niece is 8 years old. An average, shy student. Trinity has a habit of chewing on almost anything and everything. From her clothes to her toys. None of her barbies have feet. She destroys everything we give her. She also has on numerous times cut her hair down to the scalp. She is very impulsive, but always remorseful.. She has a few friends, although they say she is very "bossy". I must add that she is currently on medication for ADHD. She sees a couselor every few months, without any benefits , that I can tell. She is a lovely, respectful child. My brother is at his wits end. What can you advise?.

[Sandman2]

I know the feeling.  I have been deleted more than once when I gave info which I thought would be helpful.  At least the last time I got a nice message explaining why I was deleted.  The first time I had over 100 posts wiped off the face of the earth and no reason why.

[margypops]

Wow Dr Mark got deleted , I thought his information was helpful,

[margypops]

Thank you Doctor Mark for your information I expect you will hear from some of our members what you offer ,Drug free is interesting , I have printed out the information you sent and will tell other parents about you, I will look for you on KRON4.

[mommyoftwoboys75]

My son is 7 and has ADHD and also chews, mostly on the coller of his jackets, if he's not wearing one he chews on the skin around his fingernails.  If he's nervous or anxious he does it more.  He was on Adderall for 3 years until my medical stopped covering it, now he's on Methylin ER but has chewed on both meds.

[jemom]

My 10 yr old son is infamous for chewing up all the pencils in his 4th grade class! I had to supply the teacher w/ more!!

He's gone through numerous Remote Controls, cords, wires, chargers, pencils, pens etc .... I'm sure you know the routine. He does have ADHD/Anxiety and Sensory Integration Disorder and he's on Concerta.

We have worked w/ him through Neural Reprogramming (something that incorporates OT/PT exercises and breathing techniques) as well as using non-verbal and verbal reminders.

Fortunately for us, his school has been extremely receptive to adding supports such as a Ball Chair, a Podium in a corner of the class room that he could use when he was feeling like he needed to move. We used a seat cushion w/ bumps on one side so he could move back and forth. This combination, as well as heavy daily activity has really made a difference.

He had chewed ALL his fingernails down to bare skin and he now has a right hand w/ nails (YEAH) and we're working on regrowing the left nails.

He heads to middle school this next school year, I'm having anxiety over that!

[Melissa0116]

Oh, one more thing.  When my son is anxious or upset sometimes he does still do the chewing.  But, this is not a continuous thing and is not excessive.  I guess it is a defense mechanism.  

[Melissa0116]

My son had the same issue.  He has ADHD as well and is on meds.  This was one of the tics that was caused by the medicine he was taking.  We had to change the meds and then it stopped.  I must add that he was exactly the same age and he was shy and a very respectful boy.  What med is she taking?  If I remember, I think it was the med concerta that had caused the problems.  Every child is different and reacts different to the stimulant medications.  

Just to let you know, the doctor may not think this is the problem and up the dose.  But, when our doctor uped the dose for my son, the tic or chewing got worse.  So, maybe trying a different med may be the answer.