Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

I'm not even sure if it's sensory issues. My one son has always had a bad habit of something-it started with flapping his hands, then that moved onto pulling his hair, then it moved onto about 5 other different things.

Now he has started hitting himself in the face. No idea where he picked up this lovely behavior. When he is frustrated or excited (mostly frustrated), he does this. He is very verbal so it's not like he can't speak. This kid talks all day long.

We have been working on it. Telling him not to himself, etc (it's just his gut reaction-as soon as I catch him he says I know, sorry mommy).

His school called me today because he has really increased the behavior a lot in school (he does it all the time at home, but wasn't really doing it too much in school). They are all over him and his teacher gave him a squeeze ball which she sent home until Monday so he can squeeze that instead of hitting himself.

His behaviors seem to be getting worse? He's going into ICT in kindergarten so I am starting to get worried. I hope this behavior will soon fade away. Ugh. why is it always something? It's so exhausting.

Also, where do you buy your fidget toys? I just bought some at therapy shoppe online and a few on Amazon but man are they expensive!

Message edited 6/17/2016 5:19:52 PM.

Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

First, i want to give you a big hug:) My son has a few sensory issues and at the end of the day, im beyond exhausted!! Im constantly on top of my child and after a long day, im just done (mentally). With that said, i get all products on amazon... There is a fidget ruler and a few other items that are not too costly. Just make sure he doesnt lose any of them:)

Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

They need to redirect the stim into something else. DD was doing this exaggerated shrugging shoulder thing, I can't describe it but it was very distracting, and we have there this stress ball twisty thing to use when she's nervous and she stopped the shrugging. Now she's getting older she is wearing one of those rubber bracelets and snaps it to keep her self calm. Just try to direct him into doing something else.

Re: Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

A lot of behaviors like that can increase during this time of year. In general they have a lot to do with "mast cells" (which does activate more often during "allergy season") and what's called the kynurenine pathway. This is where tryptophan gets metabolized and you end up with 'serotonin" ...(feel good neurotransmitter) Many things can disrupt this.

He is actually activating 'serotonin' by hitting himself.

Feel free to FM me if you want.

Re: Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

Re: Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

I wouldn't necessarily assume the function of the behavior is sensory.....when is he doing it? Is it being rewarded in any way? Many things to look at....he may be doing it to escape a task, to avoid something, for attention etc.....does his school have a BCBA on staff that can help you figure this out? Gl!

Re: Sensory issues getting worse instead of better

My son has spd and other things. Mesaage me if you want and also I belong to a great fb sensory group!