It is perfectly normal for kids to chew things. Once the teeth start growing, curiosity will make them try and bite everything. But what happens if the behavior continues? Chewing clothes in adults can be seen as a symptom of a larger problem and may point to something severe. 

Luckily, there are numerous ways to discover the root of this problem. However, there aren’t many things you can do on your own to make it go away. If you are interested in learning more about applied behavior analysis for parents, you can check it out at any point. Applied behavior analysis, autism, and chewing clothes could all be connected. That is why you need to get as informed as possible.  

Is Chewing on Clothes in Adults a Symptom of Something More Serious?

You probably know a couple of people that tend to chew their clothes. You might do it yourself from time to time, even without realizing it. But did you know that this can be a symptom of an underlying problem? We all know that if a child is chewing something, in the majority of cases, it is not an issue, especially with babies. Their teeth start growing, and the itching causes them to put everything in their mouths. 

But as they grow older, the same behavior can be seen as problematic. Kids who start going to school shouldn’t chew on things. If they do, it might be a sign of a deeper problem. Also, the older the person is, the more problematic it can be. 

At the same time, there is a chance that the issue is non-problematic at all. A person can start chewing their clothes out of boredom, but it’s always a good move to see if there is something else going on. 

What Does It Mean?

In the majority of cases, chewing is a sensory need. A child chewing on clothing could show signs of autism, ADHD, pica disorder, and anxiety (and the same thing applies to grownups.) As soon as teeth stop growing, the child should lose interest in chewing. 

Anxiety is a problem for both children and adults. Approximately 40% of all children with autism experience some form of anxiety. When they start to feel overwhelmed, their reflexes will kick in, and they will start chewing something that isn’t food. This is their own method of managing stress and anxiety, and it is working. 

The main question here is whether the person craves non-food or if that is just a way to deal with sensory issues or anxiety. Pica disorder can lead to intoxication if a person swallows something that’s not edible. Moreover, chewing non-food can damage one’s teeth. Abrasive materials will destroy enamel with ease, leading to tooth decay and other dental problems. 

So, the first thing you will need to do is determine the source of the problem. Of course, that isn’t something you can achieve with ease on your own. The best course of action is to talk to a professional. That way, you will have an easier time determining what the root of the problem is. 

What Is SDP?

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is one of the most common reasons of chewing clothes. A person with SPD will experience itching, and they can be irritated by things someone without the disorder wouldn’t even notice. And anything can trigger SDP. It mostly depends on the person, but it could be loud noises, specific scents, materials, and so on. 

Needless to say, this can have a significant impact on one’s life. The disorder can complicate even the most basic of daily activities. Hair brushing, tags on clothing, swimming, different textures, and even wearing shoes can trigger the reaction. Hypersensitivity can be one of the reasons why a person would try to occupy themselves and focus on something familiar and comfortable, like chewing clothes. 

This type of sensory overload is often noticed in people who have autism. As such, it can be considered one of the signs or symptoms. Children with ADHD often show signs of SDP, and it can have a significant impact on mental health. In the ideal scenario, you will be diagnosed and start working on methods that will help you feel better. 

How to Deal With It?

As we mentioned, the first thing to do is to try and discover the reason why someone is chewing clothes. Do they have an oral fixation? Is it just a habit? Boredom? Or is there a serious problem that needs to be addressed? 

If the issue is caused by stress or anxiety, the only way to solve it is to discover what’s causing the anxiety in the first place. After that, you will need to work on methods that will keep you calmer and avoid negative thoughts and pressure. 

xThe same thing applies to oral fixation. The idea is to focus your mind on not doing it. While chewing your collar or a sleeve might seem like a reasonable thing, you will need to resist the urge. The best option is to talk to a specialist and start working on a way that will eliminate the need for chewing non-food.

It is worth mentioning that issues like SDP will require a different approach. If something is bothering you, you will need to find a way to deal with it. Loud music can be turned down, clothes can be changed, and so on. The only thing that you need to remember is that there is always a solution. While it might not be easy, it is something you will be able to achieve with enough work and effort. 

ABA Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is a way of learning new skills, coping mechanisms, and behaviors. While the majority of these therapies focus on children, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find an applied behavior analysis therapist to help you with your problem. 

xAfter the trial is done, the clinician will be able to provide more details on the situation. It is just one of many ways to try and find the answer to the problem. You can also try out meditation, breathing exercises, chewing gum, and anything else that will help you distract your mind from your clothes.