If you’ve noticed your child pressing or rubbing their chin against objects, hands, or even people, you may be seeing a behavior called chinning. 

For children with autism, chinning is a form of self-stimulatory behavior (or “stimming”) that can serve different purposes.

Why Does Chinning Happen?

Chinning in autism can be a way for children to regulate their emotions or get sensory input. Every child experiences the world differently, and some may find comfort in repetitive movements like:

• Pressing their chin against toys or furniture

• Rubbing their chin on their own shoulder or arm

• Using chinning as a calming routine during stressful moments

For many children, these behaviors provide soothing pressure or help them stay focused. While chinning is not harmful by itself, parents sometimes worry when it happens often or in social situations.

Supporting a Child Who Chins

If your child’s chinning is interfering with daily life, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can help. ABA focuses on understanding why a behavior happens and teaching helpful alternatives. For example, a therapist may:

• Offer safe sensory tools that provide similar input

• Teach coping strategies for times of stress

• Reinforce other positive behaviors

The goal isn’t to “take away” stimming but to support your child in finding balance and comfort.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we provide personalized ABA services across Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. 

Whether you’re looking for home-based ABA, center-based ABA, or school-based ABA, our team is here to guide your family every step of the way.

Reach out today to see how we can support your child’s growth and success!

FAQs

Is chinning in autism harmful?

No, most of the time chinning is harmless. It only becomes a concern if it disrupts learning or daily activities.

Can ABA therapy reduce chinning?

Yes, ABA therapy can help by teaching alternative behaviors and providing safe sensory options.

Should I stop my child from chinning?

Not necessarily. It’s often more effective to redirect or provide supportive tools rather than stopping it completely.

Sources:

• https://community.autism.org.uk/f/parents-and-carers/38317/preverbal-challenges-pulling-chinning-and-crying

• https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755599X23001234

• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/coping-skills-reducing-overwhelm/

• https://autism.org/strategies-for-addressing-challenging-behaviors/