There may not be a known reason why children with ASD tend to exhibit certain self-injurious activities. The reason could be because of repetitive actions that allow stimulation.
The challenge is preventing common oral manifestations seen in children with ASD due to self-injurious behaviors that may be caused by the following:
- Grinding teeth (Bruxism)
- Easier to address than other oral manifestations
- Tongue thrusting (see picture Below)
- Non-nutritive chewing (ie: cheek biting)
- Self-injury (picking of gums, biting lips)
