While attending the Minnesota Autism conference last weekend I learned that kids are given fidgets to keep their hands busy so that they don’t constantly pick at their noses. The nose picking was described as a just a habit.

I found that strange. Don’t most people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have allergies? I can tell you right now that my nose is driving me crazy, and I taking a break from typing every minute or so to rub at it and itch it. It is not running, but it is a bit stuffy, all due to the wonderful pollen bursting from the lovely plants that are breaking free from the grip of winter.

So if your child has a “meaningless habit of picking/rubbing/scratching at” his or her nose, you might want to check into allergies. Because of the strong effects of allergy meds, I would not recomend using them, unless your child seems distressed. But do realize that habit may ver likely have a valid reason.