Holding Saliva in Mouth: A Common Trait in Autism

Have you ever seen your child keep saliva in their mouth and not swallow it? Many parents notice this and wonder if it is important.

You might feel confused or worried when you see your child holding saliva. Remember, you are not the only one. Learning about this behavior helps you help your child with care and patience.

Key Takeaways

• Many children with autism hold saliva in their mouths. Parents often see this, mostly in younger children.
• Sensory processing issues can make kids hold saliva. Swallowing may feel strange or too much for them.
• This behavior can cause problems with teeth and mouth. Good dental care helps stop tooth decay and bad breath.
• Use simple words to help your child talk about holding saliva. Ask easy questions and show pictures to help them.
• Therapy and help from experts can support your child. Working with a team can make things better.

How Common Is Holding Saliva?

Prevalence in Autism

You may wonder how often you see holding saliva in children with autism. This behavior is not rare. Many parents and teachers notice it in children on the autism spectrum.

Studies and reports from therapists show that a noticeable number of autistic children hold saliva in their mouths at different times during the day.

You might see this more often in younger children, but older children and even some adults can show this trait. Not every child with autism will do this, but it is common enough that experts recognize it as a pattern.

If you see your child holding saliva, you are not alone. Many families share this experience.

Typical Behaviors

What does holding saliva look like? You may see your child keep their mouth closed tightly for long periods. Sometimes, you notice them puffing their cheeks or making a slight bulge in their mouth.

Some children avoid swallowing and let saliva pool in their mouths. Others may spit out the saliva after holding it for a while. You might also see your child drool more than usual or seem uncomfortable when asked to swallow.

Here are some signs you might notice:

• Your child keeps their mouth closed and does not talk much.
• You see extra saliva in their mouth or on their lips.
• Your child spits out saliva instead of swallowing.
• They avoid eating or drinking because of the feeling in their mouth.

These behaviors can happen at home, in school, or in public places. Each child may show the behavior in a different way. You may see it every day, or only in certain situations.

Holding Saliva: Causes in Autism

Sensory Processing

Holding saliva is often linked to sensory processing in autism. Many children with autism sense things differently. Their senses can feel too strong or too weak. This can make swallowing saliva feel weird or uncomfortable.

Here is a table that shows some common sensory processing differences linked to this behavior:

Your child might hold saliva because their mouth feels different. They may not notice when they need to swallow.

Sometimes, they avoid swallowing because it feels odd. The taste or texture of saliva can bother them. This behavior helps them control how their mouth feels.

Self-Soothing and Regulation

Holding saliva can help children calm themselves. Many children with autism do certain things to feel better when upset. Your child may hold saliva when stressed, bored, or overwhelmed.

Some children use this to focus or block out other feelings. It can help them feel in control. When your child holds saliva, they may be trying to calm down. This is like other self-soothing actions, such as rocking or humming.

If your child holds saliva more during stressful times, it may help them cope with anxiety or too much sensory input.

Your child may not always know they are holding saliva. Some children do not notice body signals as much. This makes it hard to know when to swallow. For these children, holding saliva is not always a choice. It is a reaction to how their body feels.

Health and Social Implications

Oral Health Risks

Holding saliva in the mouth can hurt oral health. When saliva stays in the mouth too long, it can cause problems. Saliva helps keep the mouth clean and protects teeth from decay.

If your child does not swallow, bacteria can grow and cause bad breath or cavities. Some children get sore lips or mouth irritation from too much moisture.

Dentists often see more plaque and gum problems in children who hold saliva. You might also notice drooling, which can make the skin around the mouth sore.

Here is a simple table showing possible oral health risks:

Brushing teeth and seeing the dentist can help lower these risks. If your child seems uncomfortable, you should talk to their dentist.

Social and Comfort Issues

Holding saliva can make your child feel awkward or shy. Your child may feel embarrassed or not want to talk in front of others. Some children worry that people will notice their behavior.

This can make being around others stressful. Teachers and classmates might not understand why your child holds saliva. You may see your child stay away from group activities or not want to eat with friends.

Schools try to help by learning why students hold saliva. Staff may teach other ways to show what they need. Visual supports and rewards can help students act in better ways.

Some classrooms give quiet spots or sensory tools to help students feel safe. Finding out what triggers the behavior, like stress or too much noise, helps teachers change the classroom.

When you know why your child holds saliva, you can help them and teach others to be kind.

Social problems can be tough, but many families see that support helps. You can help your child feel good and accepted in many places.

Managing Holding Saliva

Behavioral Strategies

You can help your child with holding saliva by using some simple strategies. Many families try giving rewards when their child swallows or reminding them to do it.

These ideas can help, but they work better with other supports too. Some children use special equipment that does not stop them from moving but helps keep their hands away from their mouths. Over time, these tools can help your child learn new skills and need less help from adults.

Here is a table that shows what happens with different strategies:

Parent training is also important. You can learn ways to help your child with drooling and holding saliva.

Some programs use videos or online meetings so you can learn at home. Studies show parents who use these programs see good changes in their kids.

Try writing down when your child holds saliva. This can help you see patterns and share them with your child’s therapist.

Communication Approaches

Talking clearly helps your child say what they need about holding saliva. You can use easy questions and follow-up prompts to help your child talk about how they feel. Many children with autism have trouble saying what is wrong, so using examples or pictures can help.

• Ask simple questions like, “Does your mouth feel weird?” or “Do you want to spit out your saliva?”
• Give examples to help your child remember and explain their feelings.
• Use pictures or cards to show choices, like swallowing or spitting.

Doctors and teachers use these kinds of prompts to help kids share their needs. You can practice these at home to help your child feel more sure of themselves.

When you use clear words and examples, your child may find it easier to say what they need.

Therapeutic Support

Therapy can help your child with holding saliva. Occupational therapists work with kids to help them use their mouths and handle different feelings.

They might set goals for eating and show you how to help at home. OTs often work with speech therapists, psychologists, and other helpers to make a plan for your child.

You might see a group of experts working together:

• Speech/language pathologists help with talking and understanding.
• Psychologists or counselors help with feelings and social skills.
• Occupational and physical therapists help with movement and senses.
• Special education teachers help with learning.
• Behavior specialists help with actions.
• Doctors and nutritionists help with health and food.

You can ask your child’s team about therapy choices. Many families see better results and happier kids when they work with a team.

If you do not know where to start, ask your child’s doctor or therapist for help. You do not have to do this alone. Support is there for you.

You often see saliva-holding in autism. This can happen because of sensory needs or swallowing problems. Sometimes, it is linked to dysphagia. You might notice your child pushes their tongue forward or has trouble swallowing. Many parents try to stop saliva pooling at first.

Doing activities with your child usually helps more. You can teach new behaviors and give rewards for good actions. Therapists and school teams can give support. If you feel confused, ask professionals for help. Being patient and kind helps your child do well.

FAQ

What should you do if your child holds saliva often?

You can track when it happens and talk to your child’s doctor or therapist. They can help you find the cause and suggest ways to help your child feel comfortable.

What risks come from holding saliva in the mouth?

Holding saliva can lead to tooth decay, gum problems, and skin irritation. You may also notice bad breath. Regular dental care and support from professionals help lower these risks.

What signs show your child struggles with saliva holding?

You might see your child keep their mouth closed, avoid talking, or spit out saliva. Some children puff their cheeks or drool more than usual. These signs can happen at home or in public.

What therapies help with saliva holding?

Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral support can help. Therapists teach new skills and help your child manage sensory issues. You can ask your care team about therapy options.

What can you do at home to support your child?

You can use reminders, rewards, and visual supports. Try to keep a calm environment. Write down patterns you notice. Share this information with your child’s care team for better support.