My son has been doing this licking his finger thing. He licks his fingers every few seconds a few times and then stops. A few minutes later he does it again. At first I thought his hands were dry. So I put lotion on them and he didn’t like that feeling, but the with cotton gloves on he was fine. It seemed like that helps for awhile, but then they “feel dry” again. So he starts licking again. I ask him why he does it, “They feel dry.” or “I don’t know.” is the answer.

He also is making this sucking sound throughout the day. I asked him about that and he says, “I do? I didn’t notice.”

I thought maybe he had OCD because of the finger licking thing, but in reading that description it doesn’t really sound like him. But then I read about Tourettes Syndrome and thought… maybe. Then upon thinking about it, I remembered all these other weird “sensory” things he did. He does have Sensory Integration, so I just assumed it was that. But since being probably around 3 or 4 he has done these things over the years. They come and go.

He has licked things forever. Even people sometimes. He doesn’t do this as much, as he realizes it isn’t socially acceptable. But sometimes he will lick things at home.

He chewed on his shirts for years.

He used to chew on the tags of his shirts and toys. He still will chew on tags sometimes. I have learned to cut them off my decorative pillows, because I would go sit on the sofa and be greeted by a soggy tag.

He did go through a period where he poked himself.

He had a time in school when he was not stimulated in class and he would draw circles over and over and over through the paper sometimes.

He has been doing the finger licking and sucking air noise since at least June. It seems to be getting more often. Or I am just more aware of it.

I am going to call the Dr. tomorrow, more because of the fact that he is HUNGRY ALL THE TIME and so Tired. But I will bring this up as well.

So I have a few questions. Do I need an official diagnosis? If so where/who is the best place to get this?

What is the best tactic to take with the licking finger/sucking noise thing? Is it best to ignore the behavior? He doesn’t seem to really be aware of it, or bothered by it. But with school starting, I think the other kids might notice.

He is also going to visit his grandparents in a week. I want to warn them to ignore it if it is the best way of dealing with these issues.