Could spitting be a form of stimming?

[Stephenie]

DS is almost four and has AS and SPD. He has recently started spitting a lot. And he hardly seems aware of it. It's usually when he's stressed. He does is several times in a row, makes a  t-t-t-t-t sound  with little bits of spit coming out. He really seems unaware and seems to feel he is not spitting when he does it. I will say he does sometimes spit knowingly, obviously as he aims etc. But when this "little spitting" (for lack of better phrasing) happens I am not sure how to handle it. I do not want him spitting. I also don't want to be punishing/ chastising him for something he is not aware of and can't control very well. 

Anyone have any experience here or know how to really tell if he's doing this on purpose or stimming? And if it is some sort of stim is there any way to help him find something  else to soothe himself ? Even if it was not spitting, has anyone dealt with a stim  that was an undesirable behavior?

Thanks 

[SpottedFoxx]

I'd imagine it could be.  My son would lick things (desk, chair, people) when he'd orally stim and sometimes actually spit.  Once we started to manage his oral needs (using a nuk, electric toothbrush, chewing gum, crunchy foods), he stopped doing it.  I will say when he's nervous, he'll stick his hands in his mouth or chew on my fingers.

[Emmeline II]

Yes, ds (6) has done this. He recently changed to smelling his fingertips. Most of the time he seems unaware that he is doing it.

[Stephenie]

I thought it probably was. I feel bad because I have scolded him for it a few times. Spitting is just not something I'd want him doing if he was aware, you know? I guess I will try and distract him and maybe redirect to something like chewing. 

[Emmeline II]

Chewelry Kid Companions- A Special Companion for your special child.

[Stephenie]

Thanks for the link, I have been meaning to get him something like that.