head banging

August 14, 2006

My grandson has been a head banger since he was 3 years old. And I think you are right-it is out of frustration, anger or whatever-Now my grandson (who is *) does it when can't get his way and is frustrated -opps he is 8-however the fdifference I see now is that it is an attention getter(and altho inappropriate behavior) so I can see how upset he is---he never really does it to hurt himself now-and it lasts a short time---and he has NEVER done it in school-which says he knows the difference........MaurineChap 'n Ali <chapnalli@...> wrote: Dana, 2 things. What diet is he on? Gluten and Casein maybe. The one thing that I know helps my son with head issues, (mine does head stands), is crainosacral therapy. It sounds like he is in need of pressure on his head. Maybe he is working on something in his brain with the valtrex and needs some craino to help adjust the flow of the fluid in his brain. I absolutely know when my son needs craino because he takes my hands and places them on his head. Hope this helps. - From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Dana FreemanSent: Monday, August 14, 2006 11:14 AMmb12 valtrex Subject:

Head banging I'm new to this group and have gained some very helpful insight from your postings. I'm hoping someone can help me with a new problem my son has developed. He just turned six, is non verbal (uses PECs) and is starting his third month of valtrex. So far we have had three rash outbreaks and off and on fever. Lately he has started banging his head when frustrated. He bangs it on the bed, couch and sometimes carpeted floor. If we are out and I say it is "time to go" or "don't touch" he grabs my hand and bangs his head on my forearm or hip. I feel it starts out as frustration but continues due to some sensory issues being met. Has anyone dealt with this before and do you have any suggestions. He has been on mb12 nasal spray for 6 weeks with little noticeable improvement. School is starting in two weeks and I am worried about this behavior continuing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dana Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+

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August 14, 2006

My grandson has been a head banger since he was 3 years old. And I think you are right-it is out of frustration, anger or whatever-Now my grandson (who is *) does it when can't get his way and is frustrated -opps he is 8-however the fdifference I see now is that it is an attention getter(and altho inappropriate behavior) so I can see how upset he is---he never really does it to hurt himself now-and it lasts a short time---and he has NEVER done it in school-which says he knows the difference........MaurineChap 'n Ali <chapnalli@...> wrote: Dana, 2 things. What diet is he on? Gluten and Casein maybe. The one thing that I know helps my son with head issues, (mine does head stands), is crainosacral therapy. It sounds like he is in need of pressure on his head. Maybe he is working on something in his brain with the valtrex and needs some craino to help adjust the flow of the fluid in his brain. I absolutely know when my son needs craino because he takes my hands and places them on his head. Hope this helps. - From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Dana FreemanSent: Monday, August 14, 2006 11:14 AMmb12 valtrex Subject:

Head banging I'm new to this group and have gained some very helpful insight from your postings. I'm hoping someone can help me with a new problem my son has developed. He just turned six, is non verbal (uses PECs) and is starting his third month of valtrex. So far we have had three rash outbreaks and off and on fever. Lately he has started banging his head when frustrated. He bangs it on the bed, couch and sometimes carpeted floor. If we are out and I say it is "time to go" or "don't touch" he grabs my hand and bangs his head on my forearm or hip. I feel it starts out as frustration but continues due to some sensory issues being met. Has anyone dealt with this before and do you have any suggestions. He has been on mb12 nasal spray for 6 weeks with little noticeable improvement. School is starting in two weeks and I am worried about this behavior continuing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dana Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+

countries) for 2¢/min or less.

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September 1, 2006

Hi Karyn,

I experienced this with my son when he was also about two years old.

DO Not ignore it. The doctor tried to tell me it was behavioral and he would

stop but I knew better. They finally figured out that the fluid in his

eardrum was driving him crazy. When they put him on an antibiotic and

antihistamine it took about 36 hours and the behavior stopped. I am not saying

it

couldn't be behavioral but if this is something new...look for an explanation

before you write it off. She could be in pain!!!!

Loree

Hi! I once again need the advice of some of you have experienced this

since I am considered the local " expert " for Down Syndrome in the ECI

office where I work. There is a child that is almost 2 that has

started banging her head and I wanted to get ideas from those of you

who have been there on what to do. Most experts say to ignore it but

the OT and I both agree that this will probably not be effective.

This child lives in a rural area of Texas so they would have to drive

several hours to consult with a mental health specialist.

Thanks!

September 1, 2006

Hi-

When my daughter just turned 2, she started to bang her head and I was very

upset about it. She was giving herself bruses on her forehead. She would sit

and bang her head in front of her. The first time she did it, we ran over to her

and picked her up. She was doing it when she was mad, at least I think so.

After talking to her EI, I changed my reaction. We pretended to ignor the

behavior. When she did it, I watched her but TRIED to remain CALM. (that is hard

for me) I made sure that she was not in any grave danger and one time I did

move her on the carpet. So, in our case, by being very stoic about it really

helped. I had to make sure that her sisters and daddy were also reacting the

same way and we were on the same page. This lasted for a period of about 2

months. That was 6 months ago and it is not a problem any more. Our ped told

us that some typical young children do this in a stage.

Dawn

thebombtexas <thebombtexas@...> wrote:

Hi! I once again need the advice of some of you have experienced this

since I am considered the local " expert " for Down Syndrome in the ECI

office where I work. There is a child that is almost 2 that has

started banging her head and I wanted to get ideas from those of you

who have been there on what to do. Most experts say to ignore it but

the OT and I both agree that this will probably not be effective.

This child lives in a rural area of Texas so they would have to drive

several hours to consult with a mental health specialist.

Thanks!

Karyn

Mom to Adena - 17 months and Early Intervention Specialist for ECI

---------------------------------

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September 1, 2006

Nic went through this phase. We just ignored it and he stopped. He'll

realize he's only hurting himself. Our Dr said he will not bang his head

harder than he can stand.

Di

Head Banging

> Hi! I once again need the advice of some of you have experienced this

> since I am considered the local " expert " for Down Syndrome in the ECI

> office where I work. There is a child that is almost 2 that has

> started banging her head and I wanted to get ideas from those of you

> who have been there on what to do. Most experts say to ignore it but

> the OT and I both agree that this will probably not be effective.

> This child lives in a rural area of Texas so they would have to drive

> several hours to consult with a mental health specialist.

>

> Thanks!

>

> Karyn

> Mom to Adena - 17 months and Early Intervention Specialist for ECI

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

> messages to go to the sender of the message.

>

September 1, 2006

same here...he stopped on his own when we ignored it.

Kym

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<<<

Nic went through this phase. We just ignored it and he stopped. He'll

realize he's only hurting himself. Our Dr said he will not bang his head

harder than he can stand.

Di

>>>

September 1, 2006

Has anyone worked with your daughter to help her develop communication using

an assistive device.

As for trying to " get atttention " .. sheesh. Don't we all? But most of us

have the benefit of speech. I wouldn't be surprised if she is incredibly

frustrated. She might have other issues going on too, but has no way to tell

anyone

what they are.

- Becky

In a message dated 9/1/2006 8:14:18 PM Eastern Standard Time,

mymacfamily@... writes:

my daughter jess is 15 and has no speech she has continue to bang

her head for the last 4 years . i have tried everything . she continues

to smack herself with open hands and her fist sometimes . sometimes

jessie bangs her self on the walls. she hurts herself i wished i knew

what to do . the drs think she does it for attention

September 1, 2006

I think that Betty meant this for everyone on the list

Kym

> >>> my daughter jess is 15 and has no speech she has continue to bang

her head for the last 4 years . i have tried everything . she continues

to smack herself with open hands and her fist sometimes . sometimes

jessie bangs her self on the walls. she hurts herself i wished i knew

what to do . the drs think she does it for attention .

they always try to convience me and my husband to put our baby in a

instition . i think not . she has a home has long has i live . does

anyone else have this problemn too. please send me your comments .

thanks everyone , betty

>

September 1, 2006

When I hear about things like this I always wonder if the dr.'s have ruled out

all other possible sources of pain or discomfort in a child/adult. I've worked

with two students (both young adults) who had self-abusive behaviors such as the

smacking their cheeks with open hands and banging their heads on the floor. The

one student it appeared always did his in response to something that went wrong

and he was angry/upset. The other student's behaviors would often come out of

the blue...after going with the family to several dr. appt.'s we all felt that

his behaviors could be a sign of other discomfort--in his case reflux, severe

heartburn/indigestion. His communication skills were poor and this was his way

of telling us he was in pain and perhaps by " attacking " himself on the outside

he was making something on the inside feel a little better. He was treated for

his reflux (which had been going on for years and caused considerable

irreversible damage to his esophagus (?)) and it helped, but not 100%---he still

has occasional bouts of self-abusive behavior.

Just some thoughts.

Jill

Mom to Mac & Kit

Re: Head Banging

I think that Betty meant this for everyone on the list

Kym

> >>> my daughter jess is 15 and has no speech she has continue to bang

her head for the last 4 years . i have tried everything . she continues

to smack herself with open hands and her fist sometimes . sometimes

jessie bangs her self on the walls. she hurts herself i wished i knew

what to do . the drs think she does it for attention .

they always try to convience me and my husband to put our baby in a

instition . i think not . she has a home has long has i live . does

anyone else have this problemn too. please send me your comments .

thanks everyone , betty

>

September 2, 2006

Hi Betty,

I agree with the Doctors, if there is no medical reason for this behaviour

it is attention seeking. The next question is though why is she seeking

attention.

Since she has began this behaviour has anything in her life changed. Does

she travel to school by bus and their has been a change of seating or a new

person on the bus she doesn't like. A new teacher at school who just may

be making her work harder. A special friend who has left. Is she bored. Do

her teeth hurt. Is she being harassed in any way. Lots of reasons why she

may be reacting this way. Is there any set time or place she will head

bang, time to do some hard thinking and investigating into her day.

Over the past couple of years, we have had major problems with my son and

mimicking other clients in his day program - this behaviour nearly sent me

crazy, my son has DS and limited speech he does not have CP, severe autism

or any other trait he liked. At present we have this fairly well under

control. In hindsight I will say this was attention seeking behaviour. The

first year at his day program, he was their darling the kid with the obvious

disability, the other clients more or less slow learners. He was chosen for

advertising opportunities and the like. As his does, he managed to wrap the

CEO and Operations Manager around his little finger and would do whatever he

wanted whenever, it was not unknown for him to attend staff meetings and

take 'notes'. The following year - a young lad with autism started the

program - competition and this persons strange walk/flapping/and unusual way

of standing looked so good. We got through that year by constantly

reminding him who he was and using a chart to take away his bowling activity

if caught copying too often on any given day. The next year we had more

kids to copy - a more severe autistic person and a person with CP, along

with more cute Downies. This was far too much competition for Trent and he

was these other clients more often than not.

In consultation with staff we decided that his limited speech may be a

problem, so I obtained the services of a speech therapist and with dedicated

staff we have 15minutes of speech therapy every morning. This 15 minutes is

two fold - obviously the speech work but he gets 15 minutes every day 1:1

with his favourite staff member.

Another staff member has put together a communication book of pictures (we

use Boardmaker) to help with communication with specific programs.

Ie. for Travel Training - the page has pictures to signify the beginning of

class which starts with a meeting of clients. Picture of a white board - as

they write on the board what they will be doing that day. Picture of the

library and town - as a decision is made each week as to who will be going

where, and more. At the office desk, where clients can purchase soft drink

and chips, they have photos of the varieties of both, which the clients can

give the picture of what they like to the receptionist - thus she isn't

guessing and the client is getting their choice.

Along with the speech aspect, we also decided that perhaps we were all being

too negative towards him - so instead of punishing him for mimicking he was

rewarded for not mimicking. I now make a point of, if we have gone

shopping/town and he has been a delight to be with I will always let him buy

something he wants as a treat for being good.

headed me in the direction of Social Stories, which also helped a lot

and a reminder to me to make sure I tell Trent what we are planning on doing

rather than just have him tag along. I often remind myself and the rest of

the family just because he doesn't talk doesn't mean he can't understand and

in actual fact he is a rather intelligent person.

Hoping that my story hopes you find a reason as to why she has started head

banging - if you are not currently working on speech/communication give it

a go as Trent has gained loads of confidence and is saying a lot more words.

As to the Doctor and wanting to put your daughter into an institution -

turn the tables on him and ask - 'would he routinely put a family member

away who is loved by all and loves you, just because they don't fit the

mould of 'normal' . These people think because they have a degree they know

it all but they don't.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent 22yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

Re: Head Banging

I think that Betty meant this for everyone on the list Kym

> >>> my daughter jess is 15 and has no speech she has continue to bang

her head for the last 4 years . i have tried everything . she continues to

smack herself with open hands and her fist sometimes . sometimes jessie

bangs her self on the walls. she hurts herself i wished i knew what to do .

the drs think she does it for attention .

they always try to convience me and my husband to put our baby in a

instition . i think not . she has a home has long has i live . does anyone

else have this problemn too. please send me your comments .

thanks everyone , betty

>

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

September 2, 2006

No, my kids didn't do it. I did when I was little and my Mom just let

it pass. Mostly kids don't damage their brain. I don't know about

myself though ;->

Rick

October 15, 2008

Does anyone know what might help head banging? A friend of mine has gotten no help with her pedi. And the behavior continues. I know an OT eval for sensory intergration discorder might be useful. Any other ideas?

Alyssa

October 15, 2008

Hi Alyssa,

It can be from lots of different things....subclinical seizures, migraines,

sensory overload, exposure to toxins, etc. When, where, and in whose presence

does it occur. What's the environment like? Noisy, smell of cleaning supplies,

smell of cigarette smoke on someone's clothing, just after meals, in places with

fluorescent lights. When did it first start originally? After dental appt,

after moving to a different house, after vaccines, after neighbors treated their

yard with pesticides, after new school year began, after beginning a new

supplement? Does the individual do it when alone in a room? Does it occur when

the individual is expected to do something he or she doesn't like to do? Does

it occur at transition times? Are there any times and places where it does NOT

occur? How long has it been going on? Have subclinical seizures been ruled

out?

S S

head banging

Posted by: " Alyssa Davi " johnalyssa43@... johnalyssa43

Wed Oct 15, 2008 1:29 pm (PDT)

Does anyone know what head banging might be a symptom of? Any advice for this

behavior?

Alyssa

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October 15, 2008

I am actually asking for my neighbor and dear friend that has been struggling

with this issue for over a year and a half with their daughter who is 2 1/2.

She only head bangs at bedtime/night in her room alone or during a nap time.

They removed the crib and thought that might help but it's continued even in a

typical bed. She repeatedly bangs the top of her head on her headboard and she

is hurting herself. Of course they have asked the pedi. a dozen times for help

and she always says, " She'll outgrow it. " But she has not. Developmentally she

is fine. On track. Smart and typical. The interesting thing is her brother

has had a history of cyclical vomiting that they have been unable to figure out

too. I wonder if there is a connection that is being missed.

But there has to be an underlying cause to the head banging that can be

addressed and so she asked me to post on my list serve to see if anyone has any

ideas for her.

Thank you so much for your thoughts,

Alyssa

From: Shepard Salzer <_Shepard@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: head banging

autism treatment

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008, 12:41 AM

Hi Alyssa,

It can be from lots of different things....subclinic al seizures, migraines,

sensory overload, exposure to toxins, etc. When, where, and in whose presence

does it occur. What's the environment like? Noisy, smell of cleaning supplies,

smell of cigarette smoke on someone's clothing, just after meals, in places with

fluorescent lights. When did it first start originally? After dental appt, after

moving to a different house, after vaccines, after neighbors treated their yard

with pesticides, after new school year began, after beginning a new supplement?

Does the individual do it when alone in a room? Does it occur when the

individual is expected to do something he or she doesn't like to do? Does it

occur at transition times? Are there any times and places where it does NOT

occur? How long has it been going on? Have subclinical seizures been ruled out?

S S

head banging

Posted by: " Alyssa Davi " johnalyssa43 johnalyssa43

Wed Oct 15, 2008 1:29 pm (PDT)

Does anyone know what head banging might be a symptom of? Any advice for this

behavior?

Alyssa

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

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http://tagline. excite.com/ fc/JkJQPTgKax52h DMDB9iBFXbtL6q40 qUhyOd8xzweJVtco

i4joFRDhu/

October 16, 2008

Are the crib and bed chemical-free? Does it primarily happen related to bed/nap

times? Have they tried different things regarding the lighting, playing soft

music?

S S

Re: head banging

Posted by: " Alyssa Davi " johnalyssa43@... johnalyssa43

Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:09 pm (PDT)