Chewing Gum

I am an avid gum chewer. From the time I had my jaw surgeries (broken surgically twice... fun!) and lost that awful clicking I have been hooked. Sometimes I even chew two pieces at a time. So I chew like a cow, who cares?

This past week in OT we were talking about things to do on the plane to help pass the time, give some input and help with ear popping. Our OT suggested chewing gum. I knew that chewing gum was in the future for Abby (for her oral stimming) but I had no idea the time was so close. Nicole said that although she would not ordinarily suggest gum chewing at such an early age (Therefore, DO NOT try this one at home, please) Abby is a special circumstance. She is a stuffer and often needs prompting to swallow so a little prompting to NOT swallow would probably work.

We started with soft chewing gum and it was too soft. Too easy to slip down the throat. We moved on the yuckier, hard gum (like double bubble) and that did it. The kid chomped and chewed and smiled for hours. On the plane, at home, in her high chair. She is in oral motor heaven.

Watch:


We did allow Gracie to try gum knowing that she would hate the consistency. She has trouble with textures and chewiness in her mouth. As suspected she is NOT a gum fan... that is a good thing. Two two-year olds with chewing gum could make for some very ugly messes.