Head banging is a self-injurious behavior sometimes seen in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often serving specific sensory or emotional purposes.
## Common Causes
It frequently stems from sensory regulation needs, where kids seek intense proprioceptive input (like pressure to the head) to calm an overwhelmed or understimulated nervous system. Communication challenges play a role too, as head banging may express unmet needs (hunger, tiredness, or attention) when verbal skills are limited. Emotional distress, frustration from routine changes, or sensory overload (loud noises, bright lights) can also trigger it as a coping mechanism.
## Potential Impacts
This behavior risks physical injury like bruises or concussions, while emotionally distressing caregivers and disrupting daily routines. Identifying triggers through observation—such as overstimulation or transitions—helps tailor responses.
