Chinning in Autism is a type of repetitive self stimulatory behavior also known as stimming, in which a child or person with Autism presses or even rubs their chin or their jaw against objects, surfaces or even people to seek deep pressure sensory input, self soothe during stress and even communicate their need for comfort.
The reason why children and people with Autism go through chinning during autism is for sensory regulation, emotional coping and even for nonverbal communication.
A person's jaw and chin have several sensory receptors, and pressing hard on something with their chin provides the person or child with autism deep and calming pressure that is similar to a weighted blanket.
Chinning in autism also often spikes during fatigue, transitions or even overstimulation to help them manage anxiety.
And chinning in autism can also act as a physical signal for needing comfort or needing connection or even a break.
Chinning in autism is normal and often not any cause for concern.
However chinning in autism can also become a concern if the person or child with autism and chinning experiences any skin or physical pain or it interferes with daily learning, activities or invade others, personal space.
If the person or child has any intense or frequent rubbing during chinning it can cause skin irritation, callusing or jaw joint (TMJ) discomfort.
To support a child or someone with chinning in autism, provide alternatives when possible and offer safe sensory substitutes like hand held cold packs, chewable jewelry, firm head squeezes or even a pacifier for an older child as some older children also use pacifiers to help keep them calm and help with sensory issues.
Even some adults with autism may use pacifiers that are made for adults.
Never punish a child or someone with autism who is experiencing chinning as it's a natural tool used for self regulation.
Therapists or even specialists like BCBA through Applied Behavior Analysis programs can also help a person with chinning in autism to help identify triggers and teach functional replacements as well.