Excessive mouthing of objects and fixation on eating

[Anonymous]

I am at a loss. My 3 year old constantly has to have things in his mouth, both edible and inedible. He puts toys in his mouth, but also things like chalk, soap, rocks, etc. it seems like a possible sensory issue. However, he is also fixated on eating and seems hungry all of the time. He will seek out food and is difficult to take places where food might be easily accessible because he will grab it! He is nonverbal, so we can only guess what he is thinking. Has anyone experienced this? Have you found any solutions? I was thinking of trying to see Dr. Irene Chatoor at Children’s, but would love any advice...

[Anonymous]

My son was like this. I don’t have much to offer except to say it got much better as he aged. We bought his chewy necklaces and such so that he could have something to chew always. And I found that high protein foods helped—he really did just seem to have a higher than average need for food.

[Anonymous]

Go to your pediatrician- he may be anemic!

[Anonymous]

You need to see a doctor if he is hungry all the time. But there is a sensory issue going on, my 5-year-old was like that, now it got better and his special ed teacher taught him to chew gum and threw it when he is done and that had been helpful, I don't think you can do that for 3-year-old. But get him OT toys that are designed for chewing, this should help.