Nail Biting
Bad habit! Bad bad bad! I do not approve.
HOWEVER! I would like to take the time to share with you why this gross habit can be so popular with people that have autism or otherwise; Sort of a universal thing that a lot of people would do. Including me. Not as bad as much earlier, but I am so much better at stopping myself before it continues.
Lots of people have their reasons why they bite their nails. I would like to share with you my reason why. I hope this can help you understand why the nail biting happens. This is going to be one of the most discussing and embarrassing things I have ever put in words.
Here we go!
It was true that I have had a habit of eating nails. Finger nails, toe nails, and even actual nails used for construction. Actual nails where I attempted to swallow but dug them out by sticking my hand down my throat and getting them out. Easily learned that you just don't do that; Swallowing nails, just stick with the swords; I don't encourage sword swallowing, just leave it to the pros at the circus. Nails were fine because of their cold metal against my taste buds and swirling around with it; It worked as a fidget until I stopped doing those kind of nails because like staplers, they tend to be quite dirty.
Now, onto the finger nails. I'm already grossed out while typing this out.
Finger nails! They are there right in front of you; Dangerously tempting to bite. Many individuals with autism would really really want some kind of fidget; Not just any kind of fidget, fidgets that involve the mouth. A few examples include:
- Toothpicks
- Gum
- Those plastic tags after purchasing clothes; Hopefully you know what I'm talking about.
I call these:
Oral Fidgets
And I believe oral fidgets are incredibly important; Might want to have that mouth keep moving and not so much with the hands. Here is why fingernails and toenails are in a way near perfect oral fidgets and what we can learn from them.
- The nails are hard and not elastic.
- You can chew on them.
- They bend.
- Nails are pointy that can feel good against the tongue area.
- Fingernails and toenails can break into little pieces by tearing them apart.
It is a a wonder why the habit can be so popular; This was my reason why I was so into it. Not so much anymore and I do stop myself and find a toothpick. Toothpicks have some similar features with the nails, but I do believe there must be a way to find an alternative to the fingernails and toenails. All of the same five features without hurting yourself and keeping your nails nice and pretty. Offhand, I can't think of anything at the moment other than toothpicks, but maybe your can help me.
What are some optional alternatives to the nails?