AUTISM SOLUTIONS
Children who head bang for attention may be experiencing a
sensory overload or deficit, and in the moment, may be unable to
otherwise communicate their needs. When children with autism
experience a sensory overload, their neurotransmitters are
unable to process the input their brains are receiving.
Head banging in an attempt
to communicate
More often than not, if a child is head banging to
gain a sense of control, a secondary reason may be
that they are trying to communicate. Children who
are nonverbal will seek ways to communicate, often
through movement. If a child knows head banging
will cause a caregiver to rush over and intervene, he/
she is likely to use this to his/her advantage to help
get needs met. This goes hand-in-hand with atten-
tion seeking.
Head banging to seek attention
Children who head bang for attention may be ex-
periencing a sensory overload or deficit, and in the
moment, may be unable to otherwise communicate
their needs. When children with autism experience a
sensory overload, their neurotransmitters are unable
to process the input their brains are receiving. Noise,
visuals, and even smells and tastes that neurotypical
individuals are able to tune out or may find pleasing
can cause extreme discomfort and overwhelm chil-
dren with autism. The sensation of head banging is
one they can control and on which they can place
their focuses.
Self harm due to sensory overload
or sensory deficit
Children who are under-stimulated, lonely, or bored
may head bang as a way to stimulate their vestibular
systems. They are able to provide themselves with
their own sensory inputs by stimulating themselves
in ways that feel good to them. Under-stimulated
children may often seek attention by head banging,
even if they know they will not receive positive rein-
forcement.
Children with autism who are under-stimulated may
respond well to a vibrating pillow, weighted blanket,
gentle touch, or a well-secured bouncing chair, yoga
ball chair, or rocking chair as a distraction from their
desire to head bang. Providing your child with atten-
tion including positive reinforcement, appropriate
activities, and options on how to spend his/her time,
may help redirect a child who is head banging.
Additionally, some children head bang as a part of
a routine they have developed to prepare for sleep.
Children with autism often find that repetitive move-
ments tire and soothe them. Establishing a bedtime
routine with your child that includes some form of
exercise or kinesthetic movements may be helpful in
preparing him/her for sleep. Stretching, yoga poses,
leg flutters, or balancing on alternating legs are pop-
ular options.
Physiological reasons for head banging
in autistic children
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD, has suggested physiolog-
ical reasons children with autism head bang, includ-
ing biochemical and genetic factors. He says that
research has found that neurotransmitter levels may
be linked to head banging and other self-injurious
behaviors.
Edelson writes, “Beta-endorphins are endogenous
opiate-like substances in the brain, and self-injury
may increase the production and/or the release of
endorphins. As a result, the individual experienc-
es an anesthesia-like effect and, ostensibly, he/she
does not feel any pain while engaging in the behav-
ior.” (Sandman et al., 1983) Furthermore, the release
of endorphins may provide the individual with a eu-
phoric-like feeling.
Edelson continues, “Nutritional and medical inter-
ventions can be implemented to normalize the
person’s biochemistry; this, in turn, may reduce the
severe behavior. Although drugs are often used to
increase serotonin levels or to decrease dopamine
levels, the Autism Research Institute in San Diego
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