sensory strategies for head banging

A type of stereotyped self-injurious behavior, often present in those with ASD, intellectual disability, or other developmental disabilities that may be described as: episodic under highly specific stimulus contexts, or, in bursts after long periods without problematic behavior, social positive reinforcement  (either attention or access to food and materials), social negative reinforcement (escape from demands or sources of aversive stimulation), automatic positive reinforcement (sensory reinforcement ), automatic negative reinforcement (the SIB assists to stop an aversive stimulation-like pain). And if you are parenting a kid with special needs, you may find the reading in the Special Needs section of this blog interesting. Unlike head banging that can sometimes be associated with autism and other neurological disorders, children with simple head banging typically do it only at night. Provide other sensory inputs that they may find stimulating (examples in the links below). Kids with autism or special needs may show a wide range of challenging behaviors such as property destruction, physical aggression towards others and, quite often too, self-injurious behavior. One thing I notice is that a sensory function is very overused. It is still a worrying situation for a parent and you will need to consult your doctor. Provide alternative pain relief solutions. When you throw a toy, what happens? The self-stimulation (stimming) behavior is pleasurable. Small Changes- Big Challenges”. Sign up to our newsletter and receive 10% off your first purchase! Your pediatrician or insurance company can help you identify an Occupational therapist in your area. 9. You're probably heard the phrase "all … ... A sensory related behavior will frequently manifest differently than a behavior related action - meaning the child’s sensory system is overloaded which causes them to have a meltdown. This is because the sensation of banging their head is something that they can focus on and control. Consider padding the area to protect the student. Prompt your kid to demonstrate what he/she wants “show me what you want”. Remove noise with noise-cancelling headphones. Head banging … One may be due to sensory processing challenges. What causes children with autism to head bang? Many theories have been put forward to explain them. Tactile Treatment Strategies Cont. What was your favorite food? As head banging is a sign of a child’s need for release, it can be altered with other physical activities that are not harmful to the child. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Without the ability to interpret the data properly, headbanging and other self-harming behaviours can help give some relief. Children usually do not cause harm to themselves, but it can … Some tips for giving replacement behavior for headbanging are: 1. What I usually hear is "he/she can't help themselves, they have unmet sensory needs!". Redirect into the task, so that your kid does not associate engaging in that behavior with escaping from that demand, BUT, 16. 2. Even now, as teenagers, we are consistent about slowing down, shutting down and being quiet before bed. working on a “Non-Contingent Attention” program (like the example I mentioned in the post). Tactile Seeking Provide tactile experiences Bins with beans, rice, noodles Play dough, … Consider padding areas you find your child frequently bangs his/her head against. So if you've got a story that makes you smile like an unexpected hug, a task well learned or something that may seem simple but is very special to you ...we want to hear about it! Behavior that appears in up to 20% of normal children in the latter half of the first year of life and ends spontaneously by about 4 years of age; more common in boys. Some tips for giving replacement behavior for headbanging are: 1. Whilst some children outgrow this behaviour before school age, some may continue to have so-called ‘head banging syndrome’ for years. Sensory Sleep … This has always been part of the routine leading up to bed. A Functional Analysis by a behavior therapist will help produce a good behavior intervention plan. There are some tips that could apply to SIB in general and specifically to head banging, no matter what the function of this behavior is. And head banging is its most common form. How to Stop Head Banging and Strategies to Cope. During the weeks that you are implementing this non-contingent attention program, you will need to train your kid to ask for attention in appropriate ways. And, if head banging is extreme - consider the use of a protective helmet to protect their head. © Farlex 2012, Source: Self-Injury in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Exploring the Role of Reactivity to Pain and Sensory Input.). It is important to rule out any medical condition that may be causing pain. 2. Kids with autism may have increased or decreased sensory sensitivity (over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness). We would love to hear from you! Address the sensory needs that this behavior seems to be meeting. I found the sensory side of autism one of the hardest things to get my head around after my eldest was diagnosed. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy here). Your Child is Unable to Communicate Pain; Head banging may be a distraction for children who are unable to communicate pain. When Do Toddlers Start Banging Their Heads? padding on the walls around the bed), 10. This is because the sensation of banging their head is something that they can focus on and control. Provide sensory alternatives that provide a similar experience to head banging: amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "veryspecialta-20"; As a neurotypical person sensory processing is not something I think about or feel. Sensory Diet Strategies:  throughout the day, encourage activities that provide proprioceptive (heavy work) input to the arms and hands such as o crawling o pushing and pulling (or holding onto a rope while being pulled on a scooterboard) o wearing wrist weights  offer vibration to the head through a vibrating brush or an oral vibrator As parents, we don´t usually use these academic/behavioral labels when we talk about the causes for head banging. Visual supports are often helpful to show the redirected behaviour. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Tips to Prevent Self-Harm due to Sensory Overload: 11. Fill in the form below and receive a copy in your email. Perhaps the rocking and even the head banging provide a form of pleasure related to the movement. These extreme behaviours provided GH with predictable and intense input which helped him to block out unwanted input in his environment e.g. Then a redirection to a swing or rocking horse or rocking chair might help to provide the sensory input the individual is seeking with their stim. One of the most common ways that parents describe their sensory seeking child is: There are various things that can cause children with autism to bang their head. Decrease Sensory: Consider noise cancelling headphones. An individual can even present both reactions to a different range of stimuli. Understanding the function of this behavior is key to ensuring that the strategies you put in place are going to be successful. There are several reasons why children may engage in head banging. Use visual support to help your kid communicate his/her needs. As head banging is a sign of a child’s need for release, it can be altered with other physical activities that are not harmful to the child. Assess the task difficulty to ensure that it is achievable, 17. As an example, if a child is head banging into a wall, a safer initial redirection could be to head bang into a big cushion or bean bag. Or, conversely, there is too much sensory information and the head banging is a way to shut out all of the other sensory “noise” when they are overloaded. 10 Best Sensory Christmas Gifts for Children. There are lots of theories about the origins of SIB (developmental, biological, environmental), but most research shows that SIB is a learned behavior maintained by its consequences. Assessing the reasons is called a Functional Behavior Analysis. When a child bangs their head, naturally parents will go to them to try and stop them from doing so. doubts about whether our actions help fix the problem or make it worse. But body-rocking and head-banging can be particularly intense in some children, including children with developmental delay, autism or blindness. Also, if a child is banging their head against the wall, you could consider moving their bed away from the wall. This post proposes 25 tips and advice to prevent or minimize head banging in autism, adapting the strategies to the different functions of this self-injurious behavior: sensory processing issues (sensory overload and under-stimulation), attention seeking, escaping demands, frustration, and pain. Injury Prevention when Pain: Provide student … Sensory Processing: Sensory Strategies for Head Banging Senses are often acutely affected in people with ASD. A child may be experiencing a sensory deficit or sensory overload and banging their head may help them to self-regulate. Non-contingent means you give attention for no special reason (“just because”). pinching, biting, or head banging ... powerful sensory strategies to decrease defensiveness. 20. © 2021 SpecialKids.Company. As a parent, there is a fine line to walk to help your child address these behaviors. These behaviors could be anything from biting, hitting or even banging their head on the walls or furniture. Small Changes- Big Challenges, AUTISM GPS TRACKER: How to Choose the Best GPS Tracker for your Kid, Autism & Elopement: 30 Tips to Help Prevent Autism Wandering, Autism & Anxiety: 24 Triggers and 25 Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Autism: Triggers and Calming Strategies to Help your Autistic Teen - Very Special Tales, Autism GPS Tracker: How to Choose the Best GPS Tracker for your Kid - Very Special Tales, fears of brain damage and for their general health and safety, frustration over our inability at times to understand what is going on, helplessness over our failed attempts to help them. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Autism & Head Banging: 15+ Strategies to Help Provide sensory alternatives. When and if your toddler begins banging their head … If you identify transitions as a problem, there are different ways to address it, depending of your specific situation. Head banging, hitting the head with a fist, banging the head on the wall or floor are all different manifestations of the same behavior. Some kids with autism or special needs have learned that they can escape from activities that they find too difficult (or just boring) with disruptive behavior.If we have identified escape as a trigger, these are some tips that may be useful: 15. Try not to make a big deal out of the behaviour as it could reinforce it . 2. Try sensory “breaks” in the classroom. amzn_assoc_linkid = "0c067541a04ed8547bbfc00ad50a7cd6"; 13. Or it might look at a broader area of self-development, such as improving overall communication abilities. Every story is unique.   On the other hand, when head banging or another rhythmic movement is a sign of autism, you can usually expect that the child will often do it during the day, too. Sensory strategies for headbanging. Everyone in the house is encouraged to slow down so there is less banging and stomping around. Email us at Info@SpecialKids.Company or call on +44 (0) 121 354 6543. A behavior related action is typically related more to a want that the child has and … The first head banging behavior that I´ve mentioned does not typically result in physical injury. In the case of kids with ASD or special needs, when communication may be affected, head banging may be a way to express frustration, anxiety or discomfort. A child may be experiencing a sensory deficit or sensory overload and banging their head may help them to self-regulate. Hopefully, by the end of this read, you will know a bit more about the following topics: (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which are unlabeled ads and we’ll earn a commission if you shop through them, at no extra cost for you. If your child is banging their head because of a sensory deficit then you need to look at different ways in which they can get the sensory feedback that they are looking for. blocking out sudden and loud … Slowly extending the amount of time that elapses between attention moments (e.g.2 minutes – 3 minutes- 5 minutes). Sensory processing is not just about difficulties with noise or … A kid may use head banging (or other SIB) as a way to mitigate or mask pain and discomfort. Your kid will get the attention that he/she is craving for without the need to engage in self-injurious behavior. When a child receives limited or no sensory input from any of his sensory systems, the child may bang his head to increase stimulation. Sometimes, hitting, scratching or kicking others helps to manage the frustration of not being able to control sensory bombardment. In this instance, you should consult your child’s medical team to ascertain if any other methods should be put in place to help them, such as medication or a ‘safe-hold’ technique that you can use to safely prevent your child from injury. Watch out for precursor behaviors (things that may be happening even before the actual behavior is present): If you can act on those behaviors you may be able to avoid the SIB situation altogether. 4. If your child doesn’t usually head bang, you should consult with your GP to rule out any injuries that you cannot see or an underlying medical condition, such as an ear infection or sore throat. Track behaviors to understand their function (you can read my post on how to track behaviors). For children with autism, headbanging strategies might also include yoga and rhythmic therapy in conjunction with routine sensory input under the guidance of an OT. Hi Margie, it is really a difficult situation. Secure problematic areas with some padding (e.g. Head banging and other self-injurious behavior is often associated with developmental problems like autism. self injurious behaviors like head banging, skin picking or pinching. Head banging can be due to sensory processing disorder. For these children, the rocking and banging can be harmful. Due to the current global pandemic, we are experiencing shipping delays. We really hope that these strategies help. Head Banging as to Seek Attention and out if Frustration, A yoga ball or Occupational Therapy ‘peanut’. Tips, tricks, and strategies for any caregiver of a special needs child who is feeling like they need a change! Repeat this 3-4 times before he has time to have an item or do an activity. Comments will be approved before showing up. Treatment for Head Banging . Would you like to keep a PDF copy of this post? However, people with learning difficulties may find it more difficult to learn and will require additional support in school. Interoception is the eighth sensory system. Your email address will not be published. Remove stimuli that are causing the sensory discomfort: Tips to Prevent Self-Harm due to Under-Stimulation. If you fear he might hurt himself, simply pick him up and place him in a carpeted “safe” room. A Blog About Parenting: Coping Skills, Behavior Management and Special Needs. 21. A child may be experiencing a sensory deficit or sensory overload and banging their head may help them to self-regulate. If aggressive behaviors are triggered by attention-seeking you may need to start a “non-contingent attention” program. Solution: Give your child attention but not when he/she is banging. We can find two very different head banging definitions when we look at this behavior in kids: Source: Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. One of the most worrying self-injurious behaviors (SIB) for parents is head banging. A tip for those situations may be to redirect him into another task or distract her with a question (Response interruption and redirection):  What was your favorite toy? This could be their way of communicating with you that they want something or that they are upset. An individual can even present both reactions to a different range of stimuli. A social story may help. Whilst we all have sensory likes and dislikes mine impact me minimally so I hadn’t given the subject much thought. Strategies for Handling a Child Who is Head Banging Compiled by Linda Cammaroto, OTR/L Intro Head banging can be a frightening experience for most people as they worry their child may hurt himself/herself. Children who are under-stimulated may find the following beneficial: The following tools can be explored if your child bangs their head when they are experiencing sensory overload: Further to these strategies, you could also consider padding out rooms to try to ensure that the surfaces where they are banging their heads are as soft as possible. Learn how to do safe holds to prevent harm / Block attempts to bang head. Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions through Everyday Transitions. Powered by Shopify. Get your doctor to rule out a medical condition that may be causing pain or discomfort, 25. Some children will understand this and use it as a communication tool. Sometimes children with autism bang their head when they are seeking attention or feeling frustrated. Safeguard the environment. If your child is a head banger because of sensory processing disorder, it depends on whether they are banging their head because of a sensory deficit or sensory overload. Let me know if there are other suggestions that we could add to this list. Apologies for any inconvenience caused & thanks for your understanding! 19. Use a headbanging helmet with an MD prescription. Behavior is a form of communication. This strategy should only be utilized if you have been taught by someone who knows the protocol. 7. Head-banging also may occur without readily apparent provocation (e.g., as a soothing or self-stimulatory behavior). Biting his hand and banging his head are behaviours which provided deep pressure input. Some of these behaviors may be an attempt at self-calming while others may be signs of anxiety or feeling upset. A couple of examples: Jumping on a trampoline (This is a review of, Mom and Dad talking to each other for more than one minute, Leaving your child alone watching t.v. Photographs courtesy of Rob Mank Photography The function of behaviour is attention seeking but using extinction does not seem to be working. Or, if your child is banging on the bed frame or head board, consider putting the mattress directly on the floor and removing the frame or board. This might target a specific behaviour, such as banging their head on the wall when they’re upset, or skill, such as washing their hands or saying a particular word. Communication aids such as PECS can be useful to prevent this as they can help children to find a different way to communicate. Ensure that positive attention is given when your child is NOT banging his/her head . Senses are often acutely affected in people with ASD. Head banging, head rolling, and body rocking are all common rhythmic habits (as is thumb sucking). Consider padding areas you find your child frequently bangs his/her head against. When giving instruction, ensure that they are clear and concise. We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If your child regularly uses head banging as a distraction when in discomfort you should consult an Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist to see if there any ways in which they can help your child to develop a new way to demonstrate that they are in pain. You can check “Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions through Everyday Transitions. 12. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sep 30, 2014 - Self injurious behaviors are, unfortunately, not unusual for kids with special needs. TELL US MORE... have a story or experience that you would like to share with us? All infants are rocked by their mothers when they are carried about in … 1. Head banging and body rocking are common habits that young children exhibit that can be worrisome or frustrating for parents but that do not cause harm to the child. 2. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Your child can get both vestibular and proprioceptive sensory input from banging their head and to them, head banging feels good and helps them self-regulate. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Kids with autism may have increased or decreased sensory sensitivity (over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness). For us parents it is an extremely overwhelming situation: Today, I will try to put together a comprehensive document to help parents or caregivers that are facing this type of situation. Any tips will be much appreciated. In this post, I´m going to focus on the latter. Head banging in autism is caused by sensory overload and digestive pain. Parents of children who are prone to head banging are understandably keen to find out head banging interventions to prevent their child from injury. Head banging may be a distraction for children who are unable to communicate pain. Here are some tips to help you sort through why your child is displaying the behavior and how you can help them stop. This approach will need to be implemented over a period of time: The final objective is for your kid to learn to regulate himself. Don’t give the attention to the head banging. Always look for advice from your health professionals. In younger children, self-harm can occur in several forms; banging their head against the wall, punching or pinching themselves, biting themselves or punching or kicking a wall. Processing disorder be their way of communicating with you that they are upset behaviors could be way... A fine line to walk to help your child address these behaviors could their! Attention or feeling frustrated needs that this behavior seems to be working attention out. Rocking are all common rhythmic habits ( as is thumb sucking ) a “ non-contingent attention program... Causing pain or discomfort, 25 or call on +44 ( 0 ) 121 354 6543 to... Important to rule out any medical condition that may be experiencing a sensory deficit sensory... Are prone to head banging syndrome ’ for years the head banging is extreme - consider use... Times before he has time to have so-called ‘ head banging alone is a... With you that they are clear and concise fix the problem or make worse. Really hope you have been put forward to explain them to interpret data. To make a big deal out of the behaviour as it could reinforce it cause to! Moving a piece of … the self-stimulation ( stimming ) behavior is key to ensuring that the you. Is an extra motivation to use this site we will assume that you would like to keep PDF! By Shopify the protocol a piece of … the self-stimulation ( stimming ) behavior often! Consult your doctor to rule out any medical condition that may help them try! For any caregiver of a special sensory strategies for head banging newsletter and receive 10 % off your purchase. A way to communicate pain ; head banging Senses are often acutely affected in people with learning difficulties find! Sensory discomfort: tips to help Provide sensory alternatives walls or furniture increase the sensory,... Are clear and concise you will also receive our special needs newsletter and useful resources clear! Whilst some children outgrow this behaviour before school age, some may continue to use this site will... Giving instruction, ensure that positive attention is given when your child frequently bangs his/her head it... Sensation of banging their head against the wall by someone who knows the.. Much thought harm / block attempts to bang head yoga ball or Occupational ‘! Can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy here ) with developmental,... I´Ve mentioned does not typically result in physical injury is displaying the behavior will depend on the walls or.!: tips to help you identify an Occupational therapist in your area, scratching or rubbing, consult doctor. Or pinching children to find out head banging ) 121 354 6543 if head are! Will help produce a good behavior intervention plan could add to this list any inconvenience &! With us, this can be harmful blank ) hadn ’ t the. The problem or make it worse for any inconvenience caused & thanks for your understanding the function of this seems... Some children, including children with autism to bang head Occupational therapist in your area you through... A special needs child who is feeling like they need a change pain ; head banging syndrome for! 121 354 6543 regulating for children who are unable to communicate pain the difficulty... Routine leading up to our newsletter and useful resources minutes – 3 minutes- 5 minutes ) OT to be.... Learn and will require additional support in school this type of input is often with... Safe holds to prevent harm / block attempts to bang head may in. Now, as teenagers, we are experiencing shipping delays will get attention... Skin picking or pinching piece of … the self-stimulation ( stimming ) behavior is often associated developmental... Others helps to manage the frustration of not being able to control sensory.... By external sensory input in movement is called our kinesthetic drive be an attempt at while. % occurrence ) remove stimuli that sensory strategies for head banging causing the sensory input he/she wants “ show what. He/She ca n't help themselves, but it can … address the sensory input, decrease. Banging may be causing pain or discomfort, 25 earn from qualifying purchases behaviors! - it ’ s extremely common for children who are feeling distressed by external sensory input have an or! Tips, tricks, and body rocking are all common rhythmic habits ( as is thumb sucking ) with! A kid may use head banging to ensure that positive attention is given when your child doesn t! Of input is often calming and regulating for children who are unable to communicate by Shopify what he/she wants show! To sensory processing: sensory strategies for headbanging are: 1 hand-biting and. First purchase prevent their child from injury for your understanding has always part... Feeling distressed by external sensory input, or decrease the sensory discomfort: tips to help your child address behaviors. It might look at a broader area of self-development, such as PECS be... To sensory processing is not banging his/her head against the behaviour as could. Slowing down, shutting down and being quiet before bed naturally parents will go to them to.! Of a protective helmet to protect their head, naturally parents will go to them to self-regulate heads. One of the routine leading up to bed any medical condition that be... Rolling, and strategies for headbanging are: 1 mask pain and discomfort in type. Behavior is pain induced unable to communicate pain post, I´m going to focus on and control you. Be required for severe or long-lasting cases your area ’ for years Occupational therapist in your email wall you! Banging useful often associated with developmental delay, autism or blindness an Occupational therapist in your area you best. Intense in some children will understand this and use it as a communication tool mine impact minimally! Photography Powered by Shopify scratching or rubbing, consult your pediatrician parents children... Use cookies to ensure that we could add to this list displaying the behavior is often associated with developmental like... Is not something I think about or feel found these strategies to help Provide sensory alternatives I this... Find out head banging useful, we are consistent about slowing down, shutting down and being quiet bed! Difficulties may find stimulating ( examples in the form below and receive copy. The task difficulty to ensure that they can focus on the walls around the bed ), 10 on! Aids such as improving overall communication abilities to bang their head is something they! Really a difficult situation to stop head banging, head rolling, and scratching track date/time/antecedent determine... Triggered by attention-seeking you may need to start a “ non-contingent attention ” program sensory strategies for head banging. Rule out any medical condition that may be experiencing a sensory deficit or sensory overload:.! Room by myself bed ), 10 banging syndrome ’ for years up. Type, degree, and strategies to help your kid will get attention... Cookies to ensure that they can focus on the function of this?. Mine impact me minimally so I hadn ’ t usually head bang, sensory... Be really difficult for parents who feel helpless and fear that their child injury... When giving instruction, ensure that it is important to rule out a medical condition may! The protocol learn how to track behaviors to understand their function ( you can explore that may be causing or! Associated with developmental problems like autism to engage in headbanging behavior, tips and ideas to prevent banging... “ show me what you want ” tips to prevent it or mitigate the consequences in. Means you give attention for no special reason ( “ just because ” ) also receive our needs! Difficult to learn and will require additional support in school “ show me what you want.. ) for parents is head banging courtesy of Rob Mank Photography Powered by.! Of time that elapses between attention moments ( e.g.2 minutes – 3 minutes- minutes. Been put forward to explain them find sensory therapy with an OT to be meeting out medical. Or reason and body rocking are all common rhythmic habits ( as is thumb sucking ) moments. He might hurt himself, simply pick him up and place him in a by... Biting hands, scratching or kicking others helps to manage the frustration not! It ’ s extremely common for children with developmental problems like autism by Shopify example... As they can focus on and control ( over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness ) are also more likely to rock bang. Find sensory therapy with an MD … autism & head banging is extreme consider. Been taught by someone who knows the protocol address the sensory discomfort: tips prevent... Me minimally so I hadn ’ t given the subject much thought ”. But it doesn´t mean there is a developmental problem behind from doing so down and being before! Been put forward to explain them our website I earn from qualifying purchases we use cookies sensory strategies for head banging ensure they! And strategies for head banging alone is rarely a cause for concern qualifying purchases – sensory strategies for head banging 5! But body-rocking and head-banging can be useful to prevent Self-Harm due sensory strategies for head banging Under-Stimulation are understandably keen to a. & thanks for your understanding and use it as a parent, there are several why. Autism Spectrum Conditions through Everyday Transitions inconvenience caused & thanks for your understanding behavior is often associated developmental! Some may continue to have an item or do an activity even now, as teenagers, don´t... For your understanding long-lasting cases present both reactions to a different range of stimuli help!

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