As a parent, it’s natural to notice little habits your child develops and wonder, “Is this normal?”
Some behaviors are simply harmless childhood quirks. Others, especially when they happen very frequently or get in the way of everyday life, may be early signs your child could benefit from ABA therapy.
This guide explains these behaviors in simple, calm language, helping you understand what each behavior might mean, when it is a concern, and how ABA therapy can support your child’s development.
1. Why Some Children Show Unusual Behaviors
Children communicate through actions long before they use words.
When a child repeatedly chews on clothes, flaps their hands, lines up toys, or prefers certain routines, parents often start worrying.
These behaviors do not automatically mean a child has autism.
But if they keep happening consistently, it can be helpful to understand them instead of ignoring them or assuming they’ll go away on their own.
ABA therapy helps by teaching your child:
- How to express needs clearly
- How to handle frustration
- How to build daily life skills
- How to stay calm when things feel different or unexpected
- How to interact more easily with people
Now let’s deeply explain each behavior you asked about — one by one, in a meaningful way.
2. Detailed Explanation of Specific Behaviors Parents Commonly Notice
Below is a full expansion of every behavior you listed, explained in a way that fits naturally into an article about noticing early autism signs.
1. Is chewing clothes a sign of autism?
Chewing on shirts, collars, sleeves, or strings can happen when a child doesn’t yet know another way to relax, stay engaged, or handle excitement. Some children chew when they are thinking, waiting, bored, or unsure how to respond in a new situation.
It becomes a concern when:
- The chewing happens every day
- The child chews until clothes are torn or soaked
- The chewing replaces talking or interacting
- The child seems unable to stop even when reminded
ABA therapy service helps by teaching safer replacement actions, improving focus, and helping the child learn how to express what they need instead of chewing.
2. Is rubbing feet together a sign of autism?
Many children rub their feet together while sitting or falling asleep. But when a child constantly rubs their feet during play, meals, or social moments, it may show they are trying to comfort themselves or stay focused.
It may need attention if:
- The rubbing happens nonstop
- It distracts the child from tasks
- It appears when the child is uncomfortable or overwhelmed
- It replaces interaction or play
ABA helps the child learn calming routines, how to handle new situations, and how to stay engaged without relying on repetitive actions.
3. Autism “recovery” signs
Parents often wonder if improvement means “recovery.”
Here’s the truth: autism does not disappear, but children can grow incredibly with the right support.
Common positive changes include:
- More eye contact
- More words or clearer communication
- Fewer repetitive actions
- Better interaction with others
- More flexibility in routines
- Calmer responses when frustrated
These improvements often come with consistent ABA therapy. While the word “recovery” is not accurate, progress absolutely is.
4. Is pocketing food a sign of autism?
Pocketing means a child holds food in their cheeks without swallowing. A child may do this because swallowing feels unfamiliar, or because they feel unsure while eating.
It is a concern if:
- Food remains in the mouth for several minutes
- The child avoids chewing
- Mealtimes become stressful
- The child coughs or gags often
ABA therapy can help by teaching step-by-step eating skills and helping the child stay relaxed during meals.
5. Is hand flapping a sign of autism?
Hand flapping can happen when a child is excited, frustrated, or full of energy.
The key is frequency.
It may be a sign of autism when:
- It happens many times a day
- It appears during stress or strong emotions
- It continues beyond toddler years
- It interrupts learning or communication
ABA teaches your child how to express excitement or frustration in ways that don’t get in the way of activities or social moments.
6. Is licking things a sign of autism?
Licking objects, walls, toys, hands, or surfaces can be a child’s way of exploring in an unusual way or seeking comfort.
This should be checked if:
- The child licks things daily
- They lick items that are unsafe
- They ignore other ways of playing
- They stop responding to people during this behavior
ABA helps children learn safer, healthier ways of engaging with their surroundings.
7. Is thumb sucking a sign of autism?
Thumb sucking is extremely common and normal in toddlers.
It becomes a concern only if:
- It continues past age 5
- The child relies on it during stress
- It appears with multiple other repetitive behaviors
- It interferes with speech or social connection
ABA therapy helps children learn other calming strategies without shaming or punishing.
8. Is stuttering a sign of autism?
Stuttering does not automatically mean autism.
But when stuttering appears alongside repetitive movements, delayed speech, or difficulty responding to questions, it may be worth getting evaluated.
ABA helps by supporting communication skills, turn-taking in conversation, and confidence in speaking.
9. Is an excessive love of tickling a sign of autism?
Some children enjoy tickling as a fun game.
But it may be a concern when:
- The child wants tickling constantly
- They struggle to play or interact without it
- They become upset when the game stops
- They use tickling instead of talking or interacting
ABA can teach your child how to play in many different ways and how to shift from one activity to another happily.
10. Is chewing on hair a sign of autism?
Chewing or pulling hair may show that a child is trying to calm themselves or stay alert.
This behavior needs attention when:
- The child chews hair daily
- Hair gets swallowed
- Hair becomes damaged or pulled out
- It appears with other repetitive habits
ABA helps replace this with healthier habits and builds better control over impulses.
11. Is pacing a sign of autism?
Pacing in a circle, back and forth, or across a room repeatedly may show that the child is trying to relax or refocus.
It may be a sign of autism when:
- Pacing happens every day
- The child struggles to stop
- It interrupts learning
- It appears when the child is unsure how to act socially
ABA teaches children how to stay engaged in one place, follow routines, and respond calmly to new situations.
12. Parents who ignore signs of autism
Some parents hope a child will “grow out of it.”
The problem is: the earlier you help a child, the better the progress.
Ignoring signs may cause:
- Delayed communication
- More frustration
- Difficulty learning new skills
- Loss of early support opportunities
ABA therapy is most effective when started early — even if the child does not have a formal diagnosis yet.
13. Autism in sign language
Some children communicate through signs or gestures before speaking.
Using sign language is not a negative sign — it’s a helpful bridge to communication.
ABA often teaches:
- Basic signs for wants and needs
- How to combine signs
- How to shift from signs to spoken words when ready
Sign language can reduce frustration and help your child communicate confidently.
14. Is licking hands a sign of autism?
Licking hands repeatedly may indicate your child is trying to comfort themselves or stay calm.
It becomes concerning when:
- It happens in public or during play
- The child cannot stop on their own
- It interferes with tasks
- It causes skin irritation
ABA helps your child learn healthier, safer habits.
15. Is W-sitting a sign of autism?
Many children sit in a W position, but it can sometimes be linked to low muscle strength or difficulty sitting upright.
It may require attention when:
- The child cannot sit cross-legged
- They spend most of the day W-sitting
- They avoid other postures
- They struggle with balance or coordination
ABA encourages better sitting habits and improves motor skills through step-by-step teaching.
16. Is arm flapping a sign of autism?
Arm flapping (similar to hand flapping) often appears during excitement or frustration.
Concern rises when:
- It happens very frequently
- It interrupts activities
- The child relies on it as a main coping behavior
ABA teaches children how to express emotions through gestures, words, and helpful coping routines.
17. Is opening and closing doors a sign of autism?
Some children open and close doors repeatedly, focusing more on the movement than on playing.
This behavior may be a red flag when:
- The child does it for long periods
- They become upset if someone stops them
- They ignore people around them
- They repeat the action many times a day
ABA teaches flexible play and helps your child shift between activities without distress.
18. Signs of autism in a 9-month-old (quiz style)
Early signs may include:
- Rarely making eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Not smiling at familiar faces
- Preferring objects over people
- Limited babbling
ABA can begin early by focusing on imitation, eye contact, and social smiles.
19. Is drooling a sign of autism?
Frequent drooling past toddler years may show difficulty with oral control or delayed mouth coordination.
It becomes a concern when:
- Drooling is constant
- It continues past age 3 or 4
- The child avoids solid foods
- They do not wipe their mouth unless reminded
ABA helps children learn mouth control habits, swallowing routines, and eating independence.
20. Is early teething a sign of autism?
No — early teething alone is not a sign of autism.
However, some children may show strong mouthing or biting habits along with early teething.
It becomes relevant only if many other patterns appear together.
21. Is eating hair a sign of autism?
Eating hair can be unsafe and may show a child is unsure how else to comfort themselves.
It matters when:
- It happens daily
- Hair is swallowed
- The child chooses hair over toys
- They struggle to stop
ABA teaches safer habits and builds impulse control.
22. Is humming while eating a sign of autism?
Humming while eating might help a child stay calm or focused.
But it can be a concern if:
- The humming happens at every meal
- It distracts them from chewing
- The child hums instead of responding
- It stops them from joining family mealtimes
ABA helps build mealtime routines and reduce repetitive habits.
23. Is messy eating a sign of autism?
Messy eating is common in toddlers.
But it may need attention when:
- The child avoids spoon or fork use
- They throw food often
- They don’t understand simple table rules
- They seem disconnected during meals
ABA helps with independent feeding, following mealtime expectations, and building daily routines.
24. Is smelling things a sign of autism?
Children may smell toys, objects, or people out of curiosity.
But it may be a sign your child is unsure how to explore things in typical ways.
Concern rises when:
- Smelling happens constantly
- The child smells unsafe objects
- They avoid other types of play
- It interrupts social interactions
ABA helps them learn new play methods and better ways to explore.
25. Is jumping a sign of autism?
Jumping itself is normal.
It becomes a red flag when:
- The child jumps constantly
- Jumping is the main activity they choose
- They struggle to stop even when needed
- They jump instead of interacting
ABA teaches your child how to follow instructions, take turns, and join structured activities.
26. Is lining up toys always a sign of autism?
Many children line up toys occasionally.
It becomes concerning when:
- They line up toys every day
- They get upset if someone moves the items
- They do not actually “play” with the toys
- They prefer objects over people
ABA teaches flexible play, imagination, and turn-taking.
27. Is nail biting a sign of autism?
Nail biting may show nervousness or difficulty staying calm.
It becomes a red flag when:
- It happens very frequently
- Finger skin becomes damaged
- The child bites even when reminded
- It appears along with other repetitive habits
ABA helps children learn healthier calming methods.
28. Is stammering a sign of autism?
Stammering alone is not autism.
But it matters when:
- The child struggles to express needs
- They pause or repeat sounds frequently
- They avoid speaking
- They show other autism-related behaviors
ABA helps build communication confidence.
29. Are “T-rex arms” a sign of autism?
“T-rex arms” refers to a child holding arms bent close to the body.
This may be a sign when:
- The child walks this way often
- Their posture looks stiff
- It appears during excitement or stress
- They struggle with relaxed movement
ABA helps teach body awareness and smoother movements.
30. Is clumsiness a sign of autism?
Clumsiness may indicate difficulty with coordination.
It becomes a concern when:
- The child falls often
- They avoid physical activities
- They struggle with tasks like climbing or catching
- They appear disconnected from surroundings
ABA teaches step-by-step motor skills and confidence.
31. Is collecting things a sign of autism?
Children love collections, but it becomes a concern when:
- The collection becomes the child’s main focus
- They become upset if items are moved
- They struggle to shift from collecting to interacting
- They ignore other activities
ABA teaches flexibility and balanced play.
32. Is playing with ears a sign of autism?
Ear pulling or rubbing may offer comfort.
It becomes a red flag when:
- It happens daily
- The child pulls hard or frequently
- It appears during stress
- The child avoids social activity while doing it
ABA helps with emotional regulation and attention.
33. Is teeth grinding a sign of autism?
Teeth grinding may appear when the child feels excited or unsure.
It’s a concern if:
- It happens often
- It damages teeth
- It appears during daily routines
- The child cannot stop easily
ABA helps reduce this habit and replace it with healthier behaviors.
How ABA Therapy Helps Children Who Show These Behaviors
ABA supports children by teaching:
✔ Communication skills: So they can express wants without relying on habits like chewing, flapping, or jumping.
✔ Daily living skills: Eating, dressing, following routines, and participating in family life.
✔ Social skills: Sharing, taking turns, starting conversations, responding to others.
✔ Flexible play: So the child learns to enjoy toys in many different ways—not just lining them up or repeating the same action.
✔ Emotional control: So they can stay calm when routines change or when things feel challenging.
✔ Independence: So your child can grow into a confident, capable individual.
When to Seek an ABA Evaluation
Contact an ABA provider if you notice:
- Many repeated behaviors at once
- Behaviors that continue for months
- Delays in speaking
- Difficulty responding to others
- Struggles with play, eye contact, or flexibility
Early support makes the biggest difference.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Not every unusual behavior means your child has autism—but understanding these actions early helps you support your child in the best way possible.
ABA therapy gives your child the tools to:
- Communicate
- Connect
- Stay calm
- Learn new skills
- Thrive in everyday situations
You are not alone in this journey — and getting help early is one of the strongest decisions a parent can make.
Call to Action
If you’re noticing any of these behaviors and you’re unsure whether they’re normal, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Alight Behavioral Therapy, we help parents understand their child’s needs and provide the right support at the right time.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let us guide you toward the next best step for your child.