Hello @A MyAutismTeam Member I sucked my thumb until I was 8. Then I had such a huge overbite I had to have 6 years of orthodontist work to correct it . Interesting thing is that an adult I constantly bite my finger skin , and I used to bite my nails. Now I know it is anxiety related. So we just find something else to replace what we need to do to soothe.

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A MyAutis...

@A MyAutismTeam Member I'm not a big fan of my in-laws either, for the same reason. They hound and pester my son and completely make things worse. I do hope it helps things. But remember, don't worry about what others say to you. That is easier said than done, but you live this life with her, not them.

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A MyAutis...

Hi EmilyH
Many thanks for the advice I had a look on Amazon and found the sleeve and yes I dobagree with you as my daughter is also sensitive to materials aswell like labels in clothes and pretty fabric that may feel itchy on her skin I therefore decided that the cast probably more than help solve the issue will just stress her out so I thought I would steer clear of that one however whilst researching and looking at Amazon I found a sensory chewy necklace.
I then managed to sit her down and explain to her that if we pick one the idea is for her to wear it when we're out and she uses that instead of her thumb.
She did say that she likes her thumb so we agreed only hervthumb at bedtime but I'm hoping she'll stop by herself.
She agreed and picked a blue one .
We are going away in a week with the in-laws for 5days and they do keep going on and on about it all the time to her which I think may not help the situation though.
However I will report back in a couple of weeks and say if it has helped.

My niece sucked her thumb really badly. My sister ended up getting this plastic sleeve thing to prevent her from sucking on her thumb. It looks like a cast and it really helped my niece. I believe she got it off Amazon. Though, if she needs something to suck on or chew for sensory issues, wearing this might stress her out. Maybe a combo of the sleeve and the chew toys.

there are many neurotypical child that suck their thumbs at 6 or later.. I actually had an otherwise "cool guy" 10 year old in an after school program who would suck his thumb any time he wasn't actively playing... but that said it isn't a great habit, have you discussed it at all with your daughter? How does she feel about it? if able have a conversation with her about it, maybe come up with ideas whether it be gum or life savers or chewlery (they have many different types now alot that don't look any different than chunky kid jewelry) or if the habit need extra help to stop they have bitter nail polish that works really well and isn't harmful (you can just call it "reminder juice" and put a little bit on the thumb nail). good luck!