Autism, SPD & spitting

by Tiffany. A
(Stockton, Ca)

My son has Autism. He is 5 & I'm pretty sure he also has SPD. He has a lot of issues w/ mouthing objects, but his greatest joy is playing w/ his spit & trying to spit .

His special needs teachers are not sure how to get him to stop. I have no answers either. He has an O/T & speech therapist, we are meeting today to discuss his "behaviors".

Any ideas on how to help stop his spitting would be greatly appreciated.

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May 20, 2023
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Stop giving uneducated advice
by: Anonymous

It is very clear that many people leaving comments here have zero idea about kids on the spectrum. It terrifies me thinking that many kids on the spectrum have caregivers like those people.

Nov 01, 2019
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It's my Grandboy
by: cluns2818@gmail.com

He already has an IEP. He his hitting his classmates now. He is in first grade. My youngest grandson in now hitting his classmates. He has spit on them in the past and his mother can't deal with it..she hit him in his mouth to make him stop doing that. I think he needs to be admitted to a treatment facility {do they still exist?} but I am sure that my daughter's approach is wrong. I know that I am autistic and have anxiety disorder, I was diagnosed in my 40s. I am seriously concerned for this grandson though. I see it in his older sibling but it's more like me in him,the ASP aspect but the six year old seems to extreme. Can anyone help with the young one?

Aug 07, 2019
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Join support group for Tourette’s kid parents
by: Anonymous

Hey all. My hubby and I have a 6 yr old with Tourette’s and that comes with ocd, spd and severe anxiety. I created a Facebook support group if anyone wants to join! Look up "Parents with Tourette’s Kids" and share your journey. We can learn and support each other and our kiddos.

Jul 12, 2019
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sensory strategies
by: Anonymous

If the spitting is based in a sensory need or being used as stimming behavior, it may be helpful to try some alternative sensory activities. If the child is doing it because they enjoy the way it feels, you could try vibration in the mouth and n the jaw/chin, carbonated beverages, blowing bubbles through a straw, and mouth tools such as whistles. Another idea is to try crunchy, sour, chewy, and spicy foods to give added input to the mouth. If they are enjoying playing with it you can try water play, bubble play, finger paint, and slime. This is not a 100% fool proof plan but in my career as an OT I have seen it work as long as you are consistent with follow through and providing the input as a replacement. Good luck!

Jun 01, 2019
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Candida
by: Anonymous

It’s possible this boy has an overgrowth of Candida albicans in his body. I’d look into a candida or carnivore diet that excludes all grains and many veggies and fruits that are contaminated with fungus which is what candida is. It’s possible The candida has overgrown so much that it’s colonizing his body. His spitting motions are his attempt at getting it to come out.

May 04, 2019
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Every behavior has a function
by: Nicole

Whenever I hear about behaviors such as spitting, I immediately want to rule out anything medical. Making sure there isn't something medically going on causing the behavior. If there is nothing medically wrong my next thought is environmental. I've seen clients start going through "crisis" behaviors like spitting or aggression for what seemed to be no reason,and then later turn out it was a nurse that was coming into the room that caused a experience of a traumatic experience.

Some interventions I've used that I believe can be used consistently are token systems but they must be simple, too complex and those instilling the tokens will not be consistent. I also like first and then statements and a visual board of major tasks/activities, possibly the spitting is due to boredom so knowing and keeping on schedule could help. Good luck and God bless.

Mar 01, 2019
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Spitting
by: Michelle Roberts

I swear I could’ve wrote your story! I have a 5 year old on the spectrum, PICA, SPD , non verbal and ADHD. My son doesn’t spit per say. He takes spit out of his mouth and plays with it. Sometimes I think he’s trying to get into the Guinness book for the longest glob of spit!

It’s so gross and I’m at my wits end. I have tried chewy tubes, chewy necklaces, bandana ties around his neck to chew on, I even went as far as to "you spit, you sit" .

His neurologist said it was a "tic" (I was hoping he would grow out of it) it’s been going on for about a year. We are going to see the neurologist on March 29th crossing my fingers he can help us. If I come up with anything I will let you know. Good luck momma... just know you aren’t alone in this!! {hugs}

Feb 07, 2019
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Spitting
by: Anonymous

Wow I thought we were the only ones, my son is 19 now and not only is he on the Autism spectrum but also has Tourette's. We have been dealing with spitting for over 6 years now and tried so many different things. His psychiatrist and primary have given me little to no help.

At this time the spitting has gotten worse again, My son spits everywhere at all times, and he clears his throat so hard you can hear it 50 feet away.

We have done OTC allergy medicine, cough drops, these helped for short time. I would love to hear other Ideas as his teacher and I are trying to find something. My son is very active and this is affecting him socially.

Feb 03, 2019
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Spit and blow nose
by: Anonymous

Hi my autistic son spit and blow nose everyday at night time. And advice how to spot him ?

Jan 19, 2019
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My son spits all the time and everywhere!
by: Melissa

I thought I was alone in this; my 19 years old son spits everywhere! At first I thought he was doing it to be annoying but now I see that maybe he sometimes does not recognize he is doing it! Does any one have any suggestions on how I can help him?

Aug 01, 2018
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spitting
by: Anonymous

My God, I am so glad I found this page. My daughter is 38 yrs. old and her spitting is out of control. It really results from anxiety and attention, but the bottom line is that she will not be able to ride on her van if this continues.

I am beside myself and I am right there with all of the parents who are going through the same thing. This behavior has so many repercussions in the community, work place and home. I don't know what to do.

Thanks to all the parents who can understand and relate.

Jul 26, 2018
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Thank you!
by: Anonymous

My daughter will be turning 18 soon and has been spitting since she was 7. Thank you for these great ideas and letting each other we're not alone in this issue.

May 20, 2018
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Spitting on everything
by: Anonymous

my brother spits on everything, he spits on his t-shirt and he spits while sitting in short he always spits on anything. I don't know why he does that and it annoys me and I feel worried about him. And he says he always thinks bad things like people he doesn't like and he is asocial.

Can someone help me?

May 07, 2018
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Spiting
by: Anonymous

It Is a normal development that occurs in autism children at later age than a typical child.

Feb 25, 2018
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Spitting
by: Anonymous

I have a 3 year old son who has autism, very smart he's non-verbal he has a lot of oral sensory issues. Which I'm finally after waiting list and waiting list for his not eating may be getting help for.

But back to my other issue.So lately he's discover spitting he doesn't actually spit, it's more like he puts his lips together and kind of just pushes the spit out of his lips in between his teeth and makes this loud gross noise. he does it over and over again I constantly tell him to stop I don't know what else to do to get him to stop.

So if anybody has any ideas I would greatly appreciate them. please help.

Feb 11, 2018
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Autism
by: Anonymous

I have a six year old son who spits, hits, and bites. It's difficult for him to stay in public school setting bc of some of his behaviours... The teachers even try to look over the fact that he has been diagnosed with AS and have sensory issues song with ADHD...

I know these behaviours are apart of his disability, but these teachers and other staff members are trying to blame me... can anyone help me with these behaviours bc he only does it when he gets to school...

Feb 05, 2018
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Spitting Help
by: Anonymous

Hope this helps. I have a student who spits on everything and he is very aggressive.

We have him clean up his spit. I also got him his own carpet for his area he likes to sit at which I moved his desk by so he can sit on and he spits on that.

I also started doing the brushing technique and he especially likes it on his shoulders and back. He also likes deep pressure on his head and shoulders. He absolutely does not like to be dirty so if I notice he comes in and spitting he goes to the bathroom and check to see if he needs to be wiped.

He also likes the feel of deodorant and requests it on his arm pits. Even though he is non verbal he is very smart and we use picture exchange. Luckily at our facilities we have showers and we get permission from the parent to give him showers. Which now he can almost fully shower himself with no assistance. And that helps out a lot. I have gotten him down to 1 shower a week at school.

We have gotten him to sit in his desk for 45 mins for groups vs when he first started and couldn't sit for more than 5 minutes. It is hard because of the spitting we still need to keep him hydrated.

This is the first student I have had like this and i've been in the field for many years. I hope this helps in anyway.

Jan 18, 2018
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11 year old autistic child hitting and spitting in school
by: Quandra Hodge

Hello,I'm a single mom with two autistic sons. My oldest son who's 14 years old now, never displayed the kinds of behaviors his younger sibling is displaying. I do realize that each child is different.

My youngest son is 11 years old. Since he's started at his Middle School, i've seen more and more of this behavior displayed. I'm at a total loss. Thank You. Mom🤔🤔🤔🤔

Jan 04, 2018
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Spitting/Playing with spit in Autism, Sensory
by: Melissa

My daughter is almost 3. Several months ago I was referred to Early Intervention for her eating habits (still eating pureed baby step 2 food..no chunks no dark colored foods tolerated..certain smells irritate her and then there's the spitting/ playing her spit.

Don't misunderstand me when I say she spits for she doesn't spit on or at people when angry or upset. Its more like spitting thru her teeth when holding objects she shows extraordinary repeated interest in. She touches things of interest first dry with her hands then spits thru her teeth and when same object is wet with spit..she rubs in in and smears it all around and this goes for any and every object she touches. I didn't understand these odd behaviors in the developmental delay process she is going thru.

She gets OT, speech and special obstructions therapy. Ive doing my own research and trying different ways of breaking this playing in her own spit habit. I'm finding some ways that slowly help minimize this spitting at certain times.

I've found that making your own various sensory boxes with items of your choice really help with how children with sensory issues/autism see and feel new strange objects. But what I've found out is playing with wet or moist items help some with the spitting because 1st of all the hands are already wet so no need to spit..

I let my daughter play in jello or little filled water balloons..grapes..sliced tomatoes..ice cubes..(of course supervised). Im seeing a lil bit of progress. I also tell her NO in a serious voice when she spits/plays in spit. This has to be done repeatedly.

I hope anything I said can possibly help or at least help with understanding some of these obstacles special needs children endure. Nobody knows somebody's child better than the parents/caregivers...pay attention to details and incorporate new ideas and ways of learning repetitiously with your child.

With therapies and patience and time you will surely see progress in your child.

Nov 26, 2017
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Spitting and behavioral outbursts
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 36 recently started spitting when upset. She started by spitting into Kleenex and complaining of phlegm which I have been trying to get her to stop.

Now not a week goes by where there is not some explosive behavior with spitting attached to it. She does have thrush which we are treating but I think it goes deeper.

For years she has been very well behaved and I could take her anywhere without concerns. Now I feel as though I have gone back 30 years in time when she was so unpredictable and my stomach was in a knot with worry.

There is almost no assistance for adults and parents. I don’t know where to turn. Any suggestions will be appreciated. She takes no drugs and I would prefer to keep her drug free as long as possible

Nov 10, 2017
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Help needed
by: Anonymous

How can we handle a 6th grade male who spits, becomes aggressive and then takes off his clothes and urinates all over the room, and hits? He then laughs after doing it. He is very strong and has injured several staff members. This is a public school with other students with different needs in the classroom.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!

Oct 04, 2017
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Spitting in a young adult
by: Cinlou

I have a 23 yr. Old young adult, who had Downs, autism and pstd.

Over the past 5 yrs & has been very aggressive with hitting, spitting, throwing objects. I have gotten hit or smacked, objects thrown at me and spit upon. My child has a very difficult time in communicating their emotions in words. And has become very aggressive in the hitting, throwing & spitting issues lately. Is on Prozac and Klonopin daily. But the doctor is at Kennedy Kreiger, who only sees my child once a year.

The counselor that sees my child (bi-weekly) said my child should be on stronger meds. But he only has my child on 1-40 mg prozac in am, and klonopin 2-0.5 mg in am and 1-0.5 mg in pm. And that's all. My child is told that these behaviors are wrong. But my child continue anyways.

Can anyone help????

Sep 14, 2017
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Aggressive Spitting versus play spitting
by: baffled

I found this forum while searching for help with my grandson's spitting behavior and what I have found is that there really needs to be two threads for the topic of "spitting."

Some people here are concerned about spitting behavior that consists primarily of spitting on things -blankets, furniture, boxes, paper - and then smearing the spittle around.

Others are concerned with spitting that is an act of aggression done out of anger or frustration. The two forms of spitting are not the same and I think, therefore, that the "treatments" for them would not be the same.

My grandson does both kinds of spitting, but I am not particularly concerned about spitting done to play with the spittle. While it is disgusting, it is not harmful. Aggressive spitting is another matter.

My aggressive spitter is 8 years old and 80 pounds. He is non-verbal and not potty trained . He may kick you, claw you, punch you, bite you, or spit on you without warning. While keeping a little distance between yourself and the boy can serve as protection from the physical battery, he is able to spit quite a distance.

I note that some of the comments on this forum recommend that everyone just ignore the spitting behavior, but it is hard to explain to his younger brothers - also autistic - or to others that they should just ignore it when they are being spit upon in the face.

Yes, the boy is in special education class in public school, but the "experts" have thus far not been able to solve any of these problem behaviors - including aggressive spitting.

If anyone has something to suggest that has actually worked and which can be implemented in the real world setting, I would love to hear of it.

One last thing: people who do not have children with these behaviors simply do not understand what it is like to live day in and day out with children we love but have so much trouble reaching.

Pray for each other.

Aug 28, 2017
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Spitting - few insensitive comments
by: Anonymous

I saw a comment on this very sensitive and difficult topic - "This is indeed unacceptable and child needs to know it" from someone who highlighted himself or herself as a clinician.

Of course, parents know and understand spitting is a grave concern, if not we all would not be here on this page. So everyone knows it is not acceptable. But parents and children struggling with difficulties associated with Autism, Aspergers, OCD etc deserve some sensitivity. Of course, the child needs to be taught but How ? That's what we are discussing here. I appreciate few good suggestions from folks in this thread. Methods for an NT child and a child struggling with Autism would be different for example.

In my experience with my child, continuously reminding him that it is wrong or bad does not help, because at that moment he is not able to control, even though he knows it is not good. After that the guilt that he has done something wrong leads to anxiety vicious circle. So if it is an obsession, what I have seen is diverting attention to something positive helps. I will try out the lemon suggestion given. thanks

Jul 03, 2017
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Another Comment on Sensory Processing Disorder
by: Anonymous

Thank you to those who shared their experiences. I'm new to finding out about this and appreciate all of the comments. I'm trying the spit bucket approach, plus the "My Mouth" and the "No Spitting Zone" social stories and the loss of "choice time" starting at ten minutes. It's been challenging, but whatever it takes for him to be productive, healthy and happy, we will do.

Apr 21, 2017
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Spitting
by: Carmen scents

All of this child spitting today seems like an epidemic. A "time out" penalty is BS! It simply doesn't work and never will! Parents use your own common sense! If something doesn't work you must change it! Even if you must change things many times.

Your child will laugh at you if you give up. They will see you as a failing parent and not respect you! Years ago in New York City if an adult spit it was punishable by law! Spitting is very unsanitary it spreads infections and viruses and must be stopped.

Dec 22, 2016
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over concern about normal salivating
by: Anonymous

over concern about spitting:

Give the child a lemon to suck on, this will negate the need to spit and the salivary glands tend to negate the need to spit. add lemon juice to the child's food with a gentle squeeze when feeding spoonfuls of food. the sour taste of lemon stops the child salivating.

Salivating is a normal process of growth of a child from babyhood to toddler some children grow out of it faster than others parents ought not to be overly concerned about spit. new teeth do cause the gums to hurt and saliva is the natural coolent the body sends out to cool and soothe the gums. dont we salivate when we see tempting food.

when we are exicited too we salivate as adults. we parents sometimes get over cautious about our little tikes take it easy parents dont try to create a genious,a perfect einstein or a perfect well adjusted kid they are still kids just enjoy their childhood.

dont let grandparents interfere and tell you that there is something wrong they are over zealous and anxious. let them allow you to live your life as a parent and experience all the joys of parenting with all the slips and trips and falls.
child hood was meant to be enjoyed and not analysed and psychoanalysed.

our parents sent us out in cold rainy weather and we did not die our parents did not molly coddle us and we have become great and independent stop the worrying parents let them grow and you will enjoy their childhood.

a loving parent who parented seven
litmus

Nov 30, 2016
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This is indeed unacceptable and child needs to know it.
by: Anonymous

I know one comment said not to post a rebuttal to her comment because she's entitled to her opinion, but it does need to be addressed. Spitting is not just a pure sensory need or response, just as I do not believe it to be purely behavioral, though it is a manifested behavior.

I am a clinician. I work with kids who have this problem, on a daily basis. I consult with an SLP trained in dealing with swallow problems for over 25 years. Behaviors are forms of communication. Something is going on. First try to find out what is causing the constant spitting, and why is the child using spitting as the behavior to communicate.

Second, pure sensory approaches negate the cognitive-behavioral aspect of a behavior. Both needs must be addressed, the sensory and the behaviors. Spitting IS NOT an acceptable behavior and the child does need to be informed of this through some method.

To the parent who frets about her child being told that it is unacceptable, I can only say, the child needs to be made aware that it is not acceptable and that a cognitive-behavioral approach to inform the child of this can be helpful, and it is at least establishing with the child that they too must be accountable for their behaviors and how they communicate them.

It is unacceptable for a parent to trivialize such behavior and "blame" it on the disability. You are enabling your child to act badly. This is never acceptable. Children with disabilities can learn behavioral boundaries and should learn them.

Parents should learn these boundaries as well, in order to teach them to their children. I have seen in my career, that it is irresponsible parents who cause their children to be irresponsible. This is unacceptable.

Apr 25, 2016
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Sensory diet
by: Anonymous

I taught a class of 7 students with ASC and one student used to spit constantly. We worked with the OT and wrote a sensory diet and it got rid of the spitting.

We undertook activities around 10 times during the school day: blowing bubbles, eating chewy foods, sensory water play, deep massage on the chin and around the jaw, put a j-cloth over the top of a yogurt pot and tie an elastic band round it and then dip the j-cloth in fairy liquid and put a straw through the plastic pot, then blow into the pot and a huge line of tiny bubbles is produced (this one really worked well).

Keep persisting with the activities and the spitting should reduce (if the spitting is habit or sensory - in my experience).

Jan 19, 2016
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Excessive Drooling when speaking
by: Anonymous

HI I have a 4yr old in my class and his speech seems delayed. He seems to use a lot of baby talk when speaking I still haven't heard him speak full understandable sentence yet. He also drools a lot especially when he speaks. What could be the reason for the drool? Is it a possibile result of his speech delay. Is it because he isn't able to pronounce words correctly? What could be the cause?

Jan 06, 2016
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more info
by: Anonymous

I have the garbage can with another student. Part of the issue is this particular's student's level of cognitive functioning. The student is in 4th grade but has the cognitive level of less than 2 years.

Jan 06, 2016
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Update on progress
by: Anonymous

Hi, I put a post on here late October with regards to a pupil spitting. I am so happy and pleased to say that we no longer have spitting in the classroom! It has gone from constant spitting to NOTHING! The child is now so much more content as they have not got anyone reminding, wiping or following them.

Initially it was very very intense interaction to slow the spitting.

Visual cues and instructions were used initially following around with bottle.

Then I introduced a specific chair in the same place with a cup near. I would show a cue with the cup and chair, or if I could see signs I would bang the table or clap and point to chair.

Eventually using less verbal communication.

Eventually the child would take themselves to the chair spit in the cup ( put tissues in first) then go back to whatever they was doing. I'm happy to say the hard work payed off!!

No cup, no chair and no spitting!

Jan 06, 2016
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Spitting and hitting
by: Anonymous

My child constantly hits, butts,smacks and spits in my face, I've ignored, restrained him told him no I've even raised my voice to him but the behavior still carrying on, he has SPD, I have tried everything but I'm still the target when he gets frustrated(doesn't do it to anyone else), he's only 4 and has already broken my nose, I want to stop this behavior before he's older has he is very strong and also tall for his age already, I already struggle with his strength.

I don't normally put stuff up like this but it's breaking my heart every time he dos it too me, he's my world and I love him dearly but the hitting out and spitting needs to stop.

Dec 10, 2015
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stymied on spitting
by: Sally

I am a COTA & have a severely intellectually delayed student who spits continuously. She spits during activities with others or when she is engaged in an activity she can independently.

We have tried ignoring, being firm saying NO SPIT, using visuals, pressing her own hand to her mouth when we say NO but nothing seems to work. It may have started out as a communication of some type but now seems to be a habit.

Suggestions?

Oct 29, 2015
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help with spitting
by: Anonymous

i have just started working with a child who spits continuously. i would say it started off as a sensory. This then became a habit. spitting everywhere constantly.

i have introduced an empty bottle and wipes.
Within a few days the spitting has surprisingly reduced. Not only does the child spit into the bottle when i put it near the mouth, the child voluntarily picks up the bottle to use it then wipes his mouth!

This is so wonderful to see happening in such a short time. Boredom and lack of stimulation is also a huge factor too.
I'm now preparing a simple social story. Fingers crossed this helps and we will have a happy child.

Oct 28, 2015
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Anti-Spitting strategies to trial
by: Anonymous

I'm a special ed teacher also trying to curb a students bad habit of spitting. It's really hard!
But a colleague found this social story online! I had to share with others struggling with this issue.

http://www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/spitting_socialstory.pdf

We're Going to have 2 copies at school for strategic times of the day to be read and one to go home with the student's parents.

Still trying to work out a 'meaningful' realistic and simple consequence while the student is learning to stop the habit. But thinking hard about what is 'their currency?' 'what do they value?' that they do not want to miss out on for a realistic time span.

I'm just starting with 5 minute timer on my phone. It also needs to be realistic and simple for staff to manage.

Never done this before, so we'll see how we go.

Fingers crossed it helps.

Oct 19, 2015
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spitting for attention
by: magneto

Sometimes its an oral sensory issue that cause spitting.the sensation regulate them.most of the time is attention seeking.

But what works is,calm yourselves down, play down the spitting, simply ignore, u will have to clean up later, when they stopped spitting, then give them the attention and energy, if they spit again, ignore and play down.

Or get them to brush their teeth every time they spit because thats when one spit.

Try it,be patient.

Sep 24, 2015
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My ASD 7 Yrs Old son spits
by: Anonymous

My 7 yrs old ASD child spits a lot, any where, even at school. I am very concerned. I will be working with his Therapists in a strategy , but any suggestion from another parent with the same issue is appreciated.

Sep 04, 2015
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my childs spit and screaming behavior
by: Anonymous

My 18 year spits in the air and at people and on every
thing and screaming like a loud bark don't know what else to do

Aug 19, 2015
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7 yr old constant spitting
by: Anonymous

My son spits constantly and plays in it. If I give him food or candy to redirect him, he spits the food out on the table and sucks it back up. I'm at my wits end and don't know what to do. I've tried not giving him eye contact and wiping it but when I do he makes the worst noises in the world and that doesn't help. I just ignore it now but I'm going crazy inside. I don't know what to do.

Jun 15, 2015
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Young adult, spitting
by: Anonymous

This is from mom of 24 year old. One thing that has helped the most, although doesn't stop the spitting .... I cut strips of terry cloth, tie in knots and he holds them in his mouth. At home he normally has a washcloth hanging out of his mouth when his spitting is out of control. Yeah doesn't look very 'normal', but better than spit all over including on me, also tried the surgical mask😷 but it just got full of spit til it dripped out the bottom. Another thing that worked for awhile was a bandana over his mouth, until he started pulling the bandana down to spit then put it back up. Hmmm😛 one thing to remember....laughter preserves sanity In the world of autism. 😄

Jun 15, 2015
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Young adult, spitting
by: Anonymous

My son is 24, has severe autism, no speech and Tourette syndrome. Spitting can be a tic, which can be as controllable as a sneeze. My son has gone through periods of spitting, letting his spit hang out and then pulling it back in, etc. when he was younger. Spitting was not a big issue, only very occasionally until about a year ago, and now it is pretty constant. He has a trash container near him so he spits in it most of the time, but if one is not near, he will spit toward it, across the room and it goes everywhere. I suspect this to be a tic because nothing stops him. His personality is normally pleasant and compliant. The problem with it being a tic, if it is, it increases if he is tired or excited...meaning good excitement, sees mom, or bad excitement, getting reprimanded for spitting. Really hard to work around. I have also heard that parasites or candida yeast can cause it. Anyway you look at it, his dentists says he has the most overactive salivary glands he has ever seen, he literally can see the saliva squirting out of the glands. I am still searching for the ultimate solution and will post it here when I find it! Peace to all! Love your kids.

May 20, 2015
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Candida Overgrowth causes spitting? HA!
by: Anonymous

The mere suggestion that Candida Overgrowth causes a child to spit made me spit my tea! Our son fills his mouth with water from a cup to swish and spit on things. He likes water. He is autistic and spd. However, he has no candida issues. That is such an uneducated remark. He spits anything and smears it to play in it because wait for it...most autistic spd kids have a fascination with liquid!

Apr 21, 2015
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Spitting
by: Anonymous

I am so terrified of some of the comments on here. It is just as typical for a normally developing child to take up spitting. I particularly condemn the CAPITALIZATION of behaviors in some of the comments. Yes spitting is not acceptable but they are children, after all and I think you will find that the lines are a lot less rigid since passing gas and wetting the bed are also not acceptable behaviors for adults but we don't time out kids because of them. There is a reason why ABA uses positive reinforcement and that is because children with autism do not understand that they are engaging in unacceptable behaviour - any negative pushback is interpreted as an attack. I am just like any other mother with a ASD child but when I read these kinds of comments I can't help fearing my son when he isn't with me since he wont be able to tell me when teachers/caregivers etc punish his UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.

Not looking for comments from those who disagree. Like you, I also have an opinion.

Feb 28, 2015
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Autistic kids spitting
by: Anonymous

How do I stop my 3 year old autistic son from spitting
My son doesn't communicate at all,no eye contact, no nothing
This started a month ago
He stared spitting on hard surfaces which was kinda okay ish, he liked the sound of he's spit hitting the hard ground floor making a splat sounds and now started on fabric material all over house,basically everywhere
Please help me with any good idea's
I'm struggling to keep up with everything as it is
I'm sure most parents with autistic kids knows

Dec 18, 2014
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Teenage spitter
by: Anonymous

Our 12yr old son started spitting a few months ago. We tried everything, time outs did not do the job either. So far were finding that he uses the spitting, hoping we will remove him from the activity, also boredom. Today, I took goodies and snacks to his classroom to celebrate his upcoming 13th birthday. Well, he did not spit one time. This tells me as long he is occupied, given appropriate attention, he forgets to spit. I was very proud of him. Our family members, therapists and teachers, are all on the same page in dealing with the spitting. We make him wipe it up, tell him "No spitting", making the eye contact, and make him clean it up, even at the stores. Embarrassing? Absolutely!, but for his future sake, well worth it. Hope this helps.

Nov 07, 2014
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kill the yeast and give him glutathione
by: Anonymous

This is a sign of candida overgrowth. Autistic kids have too much yeast.

Nov 06, 2014
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What we did
by: Anonymous

I am a teacher and had a similar problem with a 6 year old. We read him a social story about spitting each time he spat and he hardly does it now. Google social story spitting and you should find it.

Sep 03, 2013
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spitting concern
by: Anonymous

My son just turn 7 yr old , just recently I took him to the doctor cause I couldn't understand why all the sudden the spitting started. I asked to do blood work to rule out a couple of concern but she assured me it comes from his diagnosis
I'm glad I found some parent who's experience the same concerns so now I could start working more intense with him and also discuss with his teacher/OT

Thanks a bunch

Dec 13, 2012
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My 6 year old
by: Anonymous

Hi , My husband and I are going thru the same situation. Our 6 year old was diagnosed only at age 3 for autism. He picks up some thing every season. Now its spitting. His teacher is trying many interventions and we try to follow at him placing a mask at his lips and say NO SPITTING, then he start hitting his head or cry out loud and then spit continously. School is now worried of his peers health too. We cant take him to restuarants as he start running around spitting and many times we were asked to 'control ' him or not to spit. We cant go shopping as he start spitting. We are clue less.We are reading many comments .we try to keep him busy he get bored so easily and not like to play with any toys like other typical kids.We cant blame him as may be he dont know what he doing else he wont lie down on his back and spit :-) I see many of you go thru this .I feel we will get an answer soon
Good luck to us and you all !!!

Nov 11, 2012
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Spitting
by: Anonymous

The teachers and administrators where my niece attends school have recommended putting Tabasco on the tongue. Is this cruel? Please advise.

Jun 18, 2012
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Andrew Ortega (Stockton, CA)
by: Devan Day

My friend was also annoying and irritating his spit. He is 11 and he had his turtle helmet. Those parents are telling that he and Rory liked to play their spits. I talked to Julian, Al, Eddy, and Jeffrey about him is singing and dancing to the video called "Kangaroo Song" (1988). Penelope was Andrew's babysitter from Lodi. She was tolding to Andrew to quit spitting, but, he wants to keep spitting around. He also played his caveman toy. He plays baby stuff. He was saying gross and friendship words. He attending Walton Special Center every day. Rory loves to play Hot Ladies with Penelope's school friends. Of course I am the one with Andrew and his parents are visiting anytime. Andy liked to spit to raise his money. That's my boy!

Oct 24, 2010
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spitting
by: Anonymous

I take care of foster boys that are severely autistic. My youngest is 9 and spits many many times a day. He has used pee poop vomit spit pinching and kicking as a weapon. We have gradually gotten rid of most of the issues except spitting. At home he doesn't spit unless he is bored and wants attention, but at school he has targeted one teacher to spit in her face. He spits in her face EVERY day!! we have tried everything!!! we have tried everything!! he is non verbal, and severely autistic. Any suggestions would be helpful. americaone1776@aol.com thanks jan

we are always very consistent, after 20 years of working with autism this one is a tough one. He is sooooo stubborn.

Sep 24, 2010
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Our remedy to Spitting and feces smearing
by: Shannon

My son is now 12. He is actually my step-son. We have had custody of him for 4 years. Since he was little, 2-3 yrs old. He has spit and/or played with his spit. Drawing with spit on the tv, car windows, table etc. He would also spit at people when he did not like something, was made to complete a task. He also had other behaviors such as hitting, kicking, throwing things, pushing others, all of which are NOT ACCEPTABLE. But the spitting was one of the worst. We tried so many things to stop the spitting and nothing seemed to work. He has changed and grown a great deal with consistency.

We follow a behavior support plan and everyone in his life also follows it when helping him deal with his behaviors. When he is upset and spits, he is told "NO SPIT" and is taken to time-out and has to sit, for one minute. (designated area in classroom, chair in the kitchen at home)If he continues, he has to sit longer. Usually only takes 2 minutes total, till he is calm. Then he is reminded again NO SPIT and he is given a paper towel to clean up the spit, and then taken to the sink to wash his hands. Time-out and clean up and consistency of everyone doing the same thing, EVERY TIME HE SPIT, have helped tremendously. We have not had any spitting at home for like 2 years. The school still has incidents, but NOTHING like they use to see it (couple times a day) Now maybe a couple times a month.

His new one-on-one aide is wonderful and I think once he realized that she is going to be consistent with assisting him deal with his behaviors, it will hopefully cease. It has already decreased with just having her as his aide. (he went through 5 aides before we found a keeper....our Miss Katie is WONDERFUL)
For Spit drawing / playing with spit... he is reminded one time...NO SPIT, and then offered something that is appropriate to play with. (sensory toy, water paints,) If he spit draws again, he is reminded again NO SPIT and taken to time out, one minute and then he has to clean it up and go wash his hands.

He also use to smear feces. With this, we cleaned him up first...in a cool bath, not COLD, but barely warm. Warm water opens the pores and it also is rewarding since he loves water/swimming/baths/showers. He was washed quickly and not permitted to play in water. Washed, dried, dressed. Then he was taken back to where he made the mess and he had to help clean. We would tell him "scrub." Most of the actual feces was actually cleaned by my husband and I, but the entire time we were cleaning, he was also going through some of the cleaning motions. After about 3 times of this, we did not see it for about a year. We did the same thing when it happened again and KNOCK ON WOOD, he has not smeared feces in like 3 years.

I hope this is helpful to others.
Thank you for reading.

Jul 01, 2010
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THANK YOU!!!
by: Anonymous

My son is 7 and has traden hangers for spitting. I'm at my wits end with it. It's so gross! I'm going to try Candy and see what happens. Thank you soooo much!

Sep 01, 2009
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Extreme Flavors
by: Anonymous

Extreme flavors, like spicy or strong sour. The spitting is a sensory need. Altoid sours work wonders for my 7 yr old. It is an oral need. Go ahead and give it to him. They come sugar free too. I really hope this helps lots of people out.

Sep 01, 2009
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My Question Exactly
by: Kim Sullivan

I just got an E-mail from my son's first grade teacher with the same issue. I just finished E-mailing the OT for help with this one. I couldn't believe my E-mail when I opened it up. At least we aren't alone. I will try the sugar free suckers and see what happens. Thanks for the post.

Sep 01, 2009
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Ideas To Deter Spitting
by: Anonymous

Candy can help. Hard candy to suck on. My son gets sugar free ones. A lot of times ones with extreme sour or extreme mint like Altoids. Maybe as a reward. It helps my son to always have a snack. Sometimes popcorn, sometimes gum. Trying to stop him is going to be impossible. Let him choose something that works well.

Feb 28, 2015
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14 year old spitting
by: SBR

We have a 14 year old student who spits, pees, and exposes himself. We have not been able to come up with what triggers this response. It is random. It appears that he finds this behaviour funny and asks why people don't laugh at him. We don't have any support from home in terms of strategies or follow- up of strategies from school to home. Staff is quite disgusted by the behaviour. One thing that has worked a couple of times is to take him out for a walk. He resists it and what will appear to an outsider is that he is being dragged out of school by two staff members holding is hands on both sides as he will rip and drop everything that he can see or lay his hands on his way out. Once he steps out of the building (just one step) and he will request to run and will run 10 steps ahead of staff and then walk laps around our field. Strange. Staff is worried that he will resist completely and see this as consequence and will not do it as his daily physical activity which he is scheduled for after lunch.

Jul 23, 2014
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Spitting issue
by: Kim

My five year old almost 6 now has done spitting for a year off and on for both positive and negative reinforcement so to speak. We've tried several things from washing face washing hands cleaning the spit it didn't phase him we tried a spit sponge no use tried squirt guns water bottles nope so our newest one we are going to try is a container full of pop rocks to see if the cause and affect will be enough when he spits on them. Is worth a shot. This is why I googled this topic to see what others have done I'm hoping its short lived and we can replace it w a more appropriate behavior. Here's hoping lol

Dec 29, 2018
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Autism and spitting
by: Ann

Hi I have a 9 year old boy with autism and has started to spit everywhere and his hands he is violent and has never spat on anyone.

anyone know the reason? is it a sensory disorder?. How can I stop him from doing it? It's like he gets too much build up of saliva.

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Autism, SPD & spitting

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