oral fixation/sensory intergration - Down Syndrome Message Board

mia7 · 11-16-2001, 02:27 PM

Hi. I wrote a message on the board a few days ago, which I am unable to find. I hope this stays on and I will receive some great advice from you folks.
My adorable 8 mo. old daughter is orally fixated. She appears to always have a hand in her mouth. Yes, she is teething and yes i do sensory stim before play, meals, naps......you name it. Just wanted to see if anyone else dealt with this issue. Her OT believes this is preventing her from playing and learning b/c she is so focused on her mouth. The sound of that just breaks my heart b/c she is doing incredibly well. any advice you can offer will certainly be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

ALINEACROSS · 12-21-2001, 08:18 PM

Have you tried brushing her mouth with a nuk (nubby) brush before working at learning activities. I am a special ed teacher and have had some success with this method. Also try massage (any part or all of the body as a distracter and to help her organize her sensory system) before activities as a change of imput. Don't get disheartened - all children go through oral phases - some are just later and longer than others. Think of this as a typical stage of development. Good Luck! Happy Holidays - Deb Sardone