How Can I Help My 11-Year-Old, Who is on the Autism Spectrum, Stop Skin Picking?

Ask a Child PsychologistAutism Spectrum DisorderOCDADHD & Attention and Focus

Apr 5

This post is part of a series where our team of child mental health professionals answer real questions submitted by readers like you. This post deals with topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, and ADHD. Please take care when reading.

We recently received a question from a parent seeking ways to help her son, who is on the Autism Spectrum, stop picking his skin. Below is the question, and a response from one of our child mental health experts:

“My 11-year-old child is on the Autism Spectrum, and experiences OCD and ADHD. Two years ago, he started picking his own skin in response to trigger words. Now it’s happening when he’s online distance learning while waiting for others to have turns.
When I see that my child is picking or has picked their skin, I will ask why. Each time, they reply ‘I can’t help it, I was hungry and it tastes delicious.’ (My child is well-fed, so being “hungry” is not possible.) I ask, ‘Are you worried or is something bothering you?’ and they reply, ‘Heck no, mom. I’m all good.’ I’m unsure how to get the picking to stop.
I've offered items from Autism websites to help, such as things to chew on or to hold onto. Nothing’s working. We’ve tried yoga, deep breaths, and a fear box exercise (where he writes his fears and puts them in a box), but they haven’t helped. He is very verbal — a little too verbal — and I think he has dyslexia, but it has not been proven.
Any suggestions?”
- Anonymous

Thank you for your question. There could be a number of reasons why your child is picking their skin, given their diagnoses of Autism and OCD.

The fact that you tend to notice it primarily when they are waiting for their turn may suggest that the picking is sensory related.

They may be bored and looking for ways to stay engaged and stimulate their senses.

If they are having difficulties in their remote learning environment, another possible cause is anxiety.

If you believe it is more sensory related, you might try a rubber hair band that your child can put around their wrist, and flick it when necessary. You might also try getting one of those stainless steel pin toys that allow children to leave impressions of their hands, arms, face, etc. This toy provides a lot of sensory input, and may distract your child from the temptation to pick their skin. A link is included below so you know which toy I’m suggesting.

If your child continues to pick after trying these sensory alternatives, I suggest you consult with your primary care provider.

They may have additional recommendations or be able to connect you with programs or organizations that support children with Autism in your area.

If you would like more specific feedback, please feel free to reach out to Little Otter and we will be happy to give you more individualized care and support.