Any parent who has witnessed this behaviour would undoubtedly ask themselves, why does my autistic child hit their head?

It is distressing to watch and at times can leave you helpless to comfort or calm your child.

Naturally every child is different but in this article we will explain why they may be engaging in this behaviour and what you can do about it.

Why an autistic child may hit themselves

Sensory overload

Autistic children may experience sensory overload due to heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

Hitting themselves could be a way to cope with the overwhelming sensory input they are experiencing.

Communication struggles

Autistic children may struggle with communication, making it challenging for them to express their needs or wants.

Hitting themselves could be a way of communicating their frustration, discomfort, or a way to seek attention.

Emotional regulation

Autistic children may have challenges with emotional regulation and may hit themselves as a way to cope with intense emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or stress.

Self stimulation

Autistic individuals may engage in self-stimulatory behaviors, also known as stimming, as a way to self-soothe or regulate sensory input.

Hitting themselves could be a form of stimming, providing sensory feedback or stimulation.

So in short it may be that your child actually enjoys the feeling and process of hitting themselves.

What you can do to stop them hitting themselves

Autism is one of those puzzling conditions because on one hand every child is different, but on the other there are common themes of behaviour.

So any tactic which works for you won’t necessarily work for another parent in the same position.

But with that said there are some ideas which you could try.

Period of learning

Keep a record of when and where the self-hitting behaviour occurs, as well as any triggers or patterns. This can help identify potential causes or triggers for the behaviour.

Something like just having a running log on your phone is sufficient to get a greater understanding of why your child is engaging in this activity.

Work on communication

Frustration is a likely cause for your child’s behaviour so as challenging as it is efforts should be made to improve communication.

You can focus on improving your child’s communication skills through visual supports, such as visual schedules, social stories, or visual cues, to help them express their needs or wants effectively.

Sensory management

Create a sensory-friendly environment by reducing sensory triggers, such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.

Provide sensory breaks or opportunities for sensory input in a safe and appropriate manner, such as using sensory toys or objects.

Emotional regulation

Teach and reinforce appropriate emotional regulation strategies, such as deep breathing, relaxation techniques, or using visual supports to identify and express emotions.

Positive reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, rewards, or a token system, to reinforce positive behaviours and redirect self-hitting behaviors.

Get professional help

Seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, psychologists, or behaviour analysts, who can provide individualised strategies and interventions based on your child’s unique needs.

Summary – Why does my autistic child hit their head

It’s important to remember that addressing self-hitting behavior in autistic children requires a comprehensive approach and patience.

Each child is unique, and strategies may need to be tailored to their specific needs.

Seeking professional help and support from qualified healthcare professionals can provide you with valuable guidance and assistance in managing self-hitting behaviors in your autistic child.