Head Banging in Autism

My son is 2 1/2 and has Autism.
Its constant with the head banging on the walls lately. Hitting the front of his head and throwing himself back wards on a soft bed so many times I am worried.

I know why he does it and how to handle it. But how could he not be hurting himself if he is doing it all day long morning afternoon and night.

For an hour here or there. I swear its gotta be fifty or more times a day I am sure alot more. Sometimes he crys and sometimes he doesnt.

I know its common but all day long?

Re: Head Banging in Autism

i'm sorry, that must be so tough. is there anything you can do to redirect him, something that gives him the sensory input he needs? maybe running and crashing into a bean bag chair?
i'd talk to a developmental ped. and see what they think about the frequent head 'injuries' and maybe they have some advice.

Re: Head Banging in Autism

Just wanted to share this - not sure if it'd even apply...

My girlfriend has a son who is on the 'spectrum' and they just started him on Melatonin and his tantrums and head banging is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced.

Don't know if that's an option that has been offered to you but you could ask his doctor more about it.

Re: Head Banging in Autism

What do you do to redirect it? If you want - you can FM me and we can talk... I might have some suggestions for you....