Skin Picking (Excoriation Disorder) Support Resources

What is Skin Picking (Excoriation Disorder)?

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A different way of coping and self-soothing

Skin picking is when a person repeatedly picks at their skin, it could be scabs, pimples, dry patches, or even healthy skin. Sometimes it’s occasional and harmless, but for others, it can become intense, leading to sores, bleeding, or scarring. This behaviour isn’t about seeking attention or “bad habits.” Often, it’s a way the body and brain cope with stress, boredom, sensory discomfort, or overwhelming feelings. With understanding and gentle support, people who engage in skin picking can feel safer in their bodies and develop alternative ways to manage big emotions.

Skin picking looks different for everyone

Not everyone who picks their skin does it the same way. Some focus on one area, others move between different spots. For some, it happens when anxious or tired; for others, it’s automatic, without even noticing until later. How someone feels about skin picking also varies, it might bring temporary relief, lead to guilt or shame, or feel impossible to stop. Recognising these differences is key to offering support that truly helps.

Support should focus on understanding

Trying to force someone to stop skin picking rarely works and often increases distress. Real support is about understanding what’s driving the behaviour, reducing stressors, and offering safer, sensory-friendly ways to cope. With patience, compassion, and tailored strategies, individuals can learn to manage urges, care for their skin, and feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

Championing People who Skin Pick

Skin picking can feel isolating, but no one has to face it alone. We work alongside individuals and families to build understanding, reduce shame, and create safe, practical ways to manage this behaviour.

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Creating calm, low-pressure environments

We help set up spaces at home or school that feel safe and supportive, reducing triggers for skin picking.

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Building awareness and self-understanding

We gently help individuals notice patterns and triggers, empowering them to make supportive changes over time.

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Supporting emotional wellbeing and stress relief

We teach calming techniques to manage anxiety, boredom, or overwhelm that may drive skin picking.

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Supporting healthy skin care and routines

We guide families and individuals in gentle ways to care for the skin, helping reduce damage and promote healing.

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Understanding sensory needs and offering alternatives

We provide safe tools like fidgets, textured objects, or soothing routines to meet sensory needs without harming the skin.

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Working with families, schools, and support networks

We collaborate with carers, educators, and services to ensure consistent, compassionate approaches across environments.

How we can help people who Skin Pick?

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Whole Family Developmental Support →

  • Coaching for families to respond calmly and avoid shame-based reactions

  • Visual tools and routines to reduce triggers and increase predictability

  • Support for siblings and carers to offer quiet, non-intrusive encouragement

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Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →

  • Assessments to understand how skin picking impacts daily life

  • Recommendations for supports at home, school, or work

  • NDIS planning for therapeutic interventions or sensory tools

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Skill-Building and Sensory Supports →

  • Introduction of fidgets, textured objects, or safe sensory alternatives

  • Coaching to develop awareness and self-monitoring in a supportive way

  • Gradual habit replacement strategies tailored to individual needs

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Positive Behaviour Support →

  • Behaviour plans that address sensory, emotional, or situational triggers

  • Strategies to redirect picking safely with alternative tools or activities

  • Training for carers and educators to respond supportively and consistently

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Psychology and Mental Health →

  • Therapy for managing anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or emotional regulation

  • Exploration of underlying causes such as trauma, OCD, or stress responses

  • Strength-based approaches to build coping strategies and self-compassion

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Regional Intensives →

  • In-home guidance for families and individuals in remote communities

  • Practical strategies to manage picking in familiar environments

  • Collaboration with schools and health professionals for consistent support

Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.

Hear it from real families

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“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.

When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.

With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.

Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.

It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum

*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.

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Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.

We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.

Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.

We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.

No matter what life looks like for you right now — we walk alongside you.