My adhd girl, now 10, not only chewed her hair constantly, she ate it (ugh!). I tried many things. As she got a little older, gum helped, but not much, because she doesn't really like it. Mostly what works is to keep her hair cut short, in a really cute style, with all pieces out of mouth range. So she wouldn't feel bad about something she couldn't seem to help, I called it her 'summer cut' or her 'back to school cut', etc. Now I tell her that too, but when she asks to have it longer, I add that if she can stop chewing it, she can grow it out - whenever she's ready - its up to her. In the meantime, out of mouth range....

Chewing things can cause excess salivation and a mess. Gum is a good solution. My DS chewed his hair (long) and couldn't break the habit until we cut it. Then he went for his shirt collars.

I've been giving my ADHD son gum since he was little. It has been really helpful in Keeping him on track and avoiding distractions. Schools recognize that this is effective and even give gum and mints to the kids during standardized testing. Congratulations on your weight loss. Impressive.

I fought giving DS gum as long as I could- didn't like the options of sweetners. However, he won't use the chewlery stuff- we've tried necklaces, pencil tops, wrist bands, etc. Our school allows gum as an accommodation so I'm trying to let go and relax. He still chews on clothing so it hasn't completely improved things.

Anonymous wrote:We also use glee gum. It's very small pieces so not very many calories in it. Our current school won't allow it, though, even as an accomodation. They told us to get the sensory chewing items instead. For a girl, there are some necklaces or bracelets that don't look too "special needs." just goofing chewelry or chew necklace/bracelet. They also sell things for the pencil.

This! Also, look for nursing necklaces, too. They look a little less little kid than the sensory necklaces, but made from the same materials.

I wouldn't introduce gum unless you know the school will accommodate it.

There are pencil toppers for this too.

We also use glee gum. It's very small pieces so not very many calories in it. Our current school won't allow it, though, even as an accomodation. They told us to get the sensory chewing items instead. For a girl, there are some necklaces or bracelets that don't look too "special needs." just goofing chewelry or chew necklace/bracelet. They also sell things for the pencil.

PP -- totally agree about picking battles (OP here). I have a history of morbid obesity (lost 150 pounds when I was 22 years old and have kept it off 21+ years), and my daughters - although healthy and not obese -- are beginning to border
on overweight. I try to not be uptight about it by restricting too much, but I've tried not to introduce candy/gum or other sweet treats until they asked and/or noticed their friends having it. Gum is one of the (few) things they've never asked for. I just try to be careful about encouraging sweets and/or chewing for relief. But if it would really help her, I'm willing to try it.

My 4 year old ADHD chews gum. Is it just arbitrary that you are proud of holding off, given she is sucking on her hair instead? Not snarky. Pick your battles.

My DD uses gum for sensory issues, and it helps her a lot. I have some concerns, because we have to choose between a sugary gum (she liked Glee brand) which is bad for her teeth, gum with aspartame (most of the mainstream brands) or xylitol (Spry brand). So, no perfect choice. When she was younger, she used chewelry (chewable necklaces, etc.). They also make chewable things to put on the end of pencils. Maybe they would be a better option if you don't want her to chew gum.

My DD has ADHD and associated social/sensory issues. She used to twist her hair to the point I had to spend 30 minutes each morning combing it out and sometimes cutting large chunks of her very long hair. A few weeks ago just before school started the knots got so bad I cut her hair into a long layered style she really likes, and miraculously the twisting has stopped for the most part, but for the occasional. However, now she sucks a piece of her hair. I'm not as concerned about this because it doesn't result in painful to remove knots, but it makes her look a little odd walking around with a piece of hair in her mouth and results in a yucky wet sticky piece all the time. Someone mentioned to me that chewing gum can help kids with ADHD. She has never had gum (she's 6), and I'm sort of proud of that - so not sure I want to introduce it. But, if it might be soothing and help with her sensory issue I'd be willing to try.