Does ABA Help With Chewing on Things? A Guide for Families

Understanding Why Children Chew on Things

Many children-especially those on the autism spectrum-chew on clothing, toys, pencils, or other non-food items. This behavior can be confusing and concerning for parents. Is it a sensory need? A sign of anxiety? Or something else? The first step in addressing it is understanding the function behind the chewing.

Chewing can serve several purposes. For some children, it provides oral sensory input that helps them stay calm and focused. For others, it may be a way to self-regulate when overwhelmed or bored. In some cases, chewing on non-nutritive substances (pica) can be a medical concern if the items are harmful. Regardless of the cause, ABA therapy-led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)-can help.

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy Intensity for a 6-Year-Old: A Parent's Guide · Local ABA Therapy

How ABA Therapy Addresses Chewing Behaviors

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

A BCBA begins by conducting a functional behavior assessment. This involves observing when and where the child chews, what happens before and after, and what the child gains from the behavior. The FBA helps determine whether the chewing is sensory-seeking, attention-seeking, escape-motivated, or something else. Without this assessment, any intervention is guesswork.

Identifying the Function

Once the function is clear, the BCBA designs a behavior intervention plan (BIP). For example:

• Sensory-seeking: The child may need oral input. The plan might include offering safe chewable items (like silicone chewelry) at scheduled times.
• Escape or avoidance: The child chews to get out of a non-preferred task. The plan might teach a replacement behavior, such as asking for a break.
• Attention-seeking: The child chews to get a reaction. The plan might involve ignoring the chewing and reinforcing appropriate communication.

Teaching Replacement Behaviors

ABA does not simply stop chewing; it replaces it with a safer, more appropriate behavior. For sensory chewers, a BCBA may teach the child to use a chewy necklace or chewable pencil topper. For children who chew due to anxiety, the plan might include deep breathing or requesting a calming activity. The key is that the replacement behavior serves the same function as the original chewing.

Practical Strategies Used in ABA for Chewing

Reinforcement and Differential Reinforcement

ABA relies heavily on positive reinforcement. When the child uses a safe alternative (e.g., chews on a designated item instead of their shirt), they receive praise, a small reward, or access to a preferred activity. Over time, this makes the safe choice more appealing. A common technique is differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), where the therapist reinforces the replacement behavior while withholding reinforcement for unsafe chewing.

Environmental Modifications

Sometimes the environment can be changed to reduce the need to chew. For example, if a child chews when bored, the therapist might increase the availability of engaging activities. If the child chews during transitions, a visual schedule or warning can reduce anxiety. These proactive changes often decrease the frequency of chewing without direct intervention.

Teaching Self-Regulation Skills

Older children and teens can learn to recognize their own sensory needs and request appropriate items. ABA therapists can teach self-monitoring and self-management strategies, such as checking in with a visual scale or using a timer to schedule sensory breaks. This empowers the child to manage their own behavior.

🔗 Related reading: NC Medicaid ABA Wait Times: What to Expect · Nearby ABA Therapy

What to Expect in ABA Sessions for Chewing

ABA therapy is highly individualized. There is no single protocol for chewing. Sessions typically involve one-on-one work with a registered behavior technician (RBT) under the supervision of a BCBA. The therapist will collect data on every instance of chewing and every use of the replacement behavior. This data guides adjustments to the plan.

Parents are often trained to implement strategies at home. Consistency across settings is crucial for success. The BCBA may provide a written plan with specific steps for responding to chewing, including when to offer a chewy, when to redirect, and how to reinforce safe choices.

Progress is measured over weeks and months. Some children show improvement quickly; others need more time. The goal is not to eliminate all chewing-some oral sensory input is normal and healthy-but to ensure the child chews only safe items and in appropriate contexts.

Costs and Insurance Coverage for ABA Therapy

ABA therapy for behaviors like chewing is typically covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. The Affordable Care Act requires many plans to cover autism-related treatments, including ABA. Medicaid also covers ABA in most states, often through state-specific programs like Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT).

However, coverage can vary. Some plans require a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to authorize ABA. Others may cover ABA for pica or severe self-injurious behavior even without an ASD diagnosis. It is important to check with your insurance provider. Get ABA Therapy is a free service that can help you find a BCBA-led provider who accepts your insurance, including Medicaid. We match families with vetted clinics that understand how to navigate insurance approvals.

Out-of-pocket costs without insurance can be high-often $100-$200 per hour. But with insurance, many families pay only a copay or coinsurance. Some providers offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans. Our matching service can help you explore options that fit your budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Addressing Chewing

• Punishing the behavior: Scolding or taking away items can increase anxiety and make chewing worse. ABA focuses on positive reinforcement, not punishment.
• Ignoring the function: Offering a chewy necklace without understanding why the child chews may not work. The replacement must match the function.
• Expecting quick fixes: Changing a deeply rooted behavior takes time. Consistency and patience are essential.
• Using unsafe chew items: Always choose non-toxic, age-appropriate chewables. Avoid items that could break or be swallowed.
• Forgetting to involve the child: When possible, let the child choose their chewy or sensory tool. This increases buy-in and success.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child's chewing leads to ingestion of harmful objects, causes injury, or significantly interferes with daily life, it is time to seek professional help. A BCBA can work alongside an occupational therapist (OT) or speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a comprehensive approach. Many children benefit from both ABA and OT, especially when sensory processing issues are involved.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Get ABA Therapy is a free service that connects you with vetted, BCBA-led providers in your area. We help you find a team that understands your child's unique needs and works with your insurance. Simply fill out our form, and we will match you with providers who have experience with oral sensory behaviors and pica.

Conclusion

Yes, ABA therapy can help with chewing on things-but not by simply stopping the behavior. It works by understanding the purpose of the chewing, teaching safe alternatives, and reinforcing positive choices. With the guidance of a BCBA, many children learn to meet their sensory needs in safe, socially acceptable ways. If you are concerned about your child's chewing, consider reaching out for a free consultation through Get ABA Therapy. We are here to help you find the right support.