I can’t take away the eraser or give it to him only when he asks, because I have more students.

He’s impulsive but nice. His parents know he does stuff like that.

Any ideas?

  • voracitude@lemmy.world
    241·
    8 days ago

    Sounds like it could be a stim thing - impulsive, you say? Any chance there’s (undiagnosed?) ASD there? The mentions of bitter spray reminded me of when my mother tried that to get me to stop biting my nails. I just stopped using my lips and tongue, and only used my teeth…

    Anyway, if it’s a stimulation thing, maybe finding an alternative would be easier than getting him to stop entirely.

      • LavaPlanet@sh.itjust.works
        5·
        8 days ago

        Yeah, this is exactly what I was thinking, too. You redirect the behavior somewhere safe while still fulfilling the essential need.

      • voracitude@lemmy.world
        4·
        7 days ago

        I’d be curious for a follow-up post if you find a way to help him with this! I was this kid when I was little, and needed help and kindness, but there was no understanding for autistic behaviours back then so what I got instead was bullied. I appreciate that you went looking for help instead of just throwing up your hands 🤗

        • howler@lemmy.zipOP
          2·
          1 day ago

          Hi! So I suggested nail chewing deterrent to the boss, checked that the kids have no allergies, bought the deterrent in a pharmacy and coated all the pencils and part of one eraser (they stop working with the polish).

          All it took was one lick (and OMG their faces), they didn’t put the pencils/eraser near their mouth again. I hope they remember the lesson next week lol. I coated all pencils so the kid I wrote the post about wouldn’t get targeted.

          I watched the kid that has me particularly worried and he didn’t show interest in putting anything else in his mouth, nor did he have a change in attitude. Now that he isn’t licking stuff, he is somewhat more focused in class?? I have to keep watching.