Question 1

my son has head banging off his mattress since about 6 months to go to sleep. he's 17 mths. i didn't think anything of it just as a soothing technique..my daughter never did this though and people are telling me it's a sign of autism. true?

Accepted Answer

: Don't listen to other people. Consult your pediatrician.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: head banging?

Accepted Answer

Head banging: Head banging is an abnormal behavior- literally to hit head against a wall or another surface. Some children head bang as a form of self stimulation.

Question 3

is it true that hitting your self / hitting your head on the wall a sign of autism?

Accepted Answer

See below: This is a behavioral disorder. It is possible that an autistic child shows some of this symptoms, but they are not exclusive to autism. Please talk to child psychiatrist or psychologist to investigate further.

Question 4

any significance of head circumference 19 percentile at birth and 89 percentile at 8 years? child does have level 1 autism diagnosis.

Accepted Answer

Related: Early excessive head growth is seen in may children with autism spectrum disorders.

Question 5

i work with a individual with autism that has night time seizures. we noticed that about a few days to a week before she has a seizure she get very aggressive and moody. is this something that happens before seizures or is it in our heads?

Accepted Answer

: You are describing an individual with what appears to be very limited or non-existent seizure control, and clearly several days of premonitory warnings, or even auras.  You do not mention any details about the treatment.  Appropriate anti-epileptic drugs should be employed at therapeutic levels.  See a pediatric neurologist ASAP, and get this handled.

Question 6

my daughter is 1 and has started to throw herself back when angry i'm worried she might hurt her head i have a son with autism could she have autism?

Accepted Answer

Not uncommon/maybe: "Counter dependency" is that stage when your kid has started getting around on their own and want you nearby, but doesn't want you interfering in what they are doing. This behavior is not unusual, is seldom done without witnesses, and mostly when they are mad at you.It increases if it grabs your attention, and fades if ignored. This is not specific or predictive of autism. Any kid could be.

Question 7

can head trauma cause you to get autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Head trauma can create injury severe enough to cause behaviors that may seem similar to those with autism. It does not cause autism itself. Autism has brain inflammation as a component and digestive issues. Mild head trauma will not lead to autism. Repeated head injures can lead to Parkinson's and dementia later...Not autism.

Question 8

my son is 17 mths old & has hit all his milestones. he can say 5-10 words not clearly but you can tell he is trying to repeat. he smiles, loves to be around everyone. he head bangs off his crib mattress when he's tired though. sign of autism?

Accepted Answer

: Head banging on its own without any other indications of autism, is not diagnostic or even concerning. Up to 15% of non-autistic infants/toddlers head bang their heads to self sooth.

Question 9

23 yo m, no signs of aggression, autism, or other mental illness; what causes nighttime head bouncing, what helps? sleep not restful, have done since 4

Accepted Answer

Head banging can : Occur in neurotypical infants & toddlers. Video it for his  2-year well-child  check. The aap recommends ongoing developmental surveillance using standardized  screening tests like the asq + the m-chat screening for autism at 18 & 24 mos. Or do them at www.Firstsigns.Org & take in the results. Check head growth, eardrums , etc. For sleep hygiene, see healthy children section of www.Aap.Org.

Question 10

can children with autism have a bigger shaped head?

Accepted Answer

No: Unless there is an underlying case of macrocephaly from hydrocephalus the "standard" autistic child has a smiler size head to anyone else.

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Doctor answers about:

Autism operational definition self injurious head banging

A member asked:

My son has head banging off his mattress since about 6 months to go to sleep. he's 17 mths. i didn't think anything of it just as a soothing technique..my daughter never did this though and people are telling me it's a sign of autism. true?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: head banging?

A member asked:

Is it true that hitting your self / hitting your head on the wall a sign of autism?

A member asked:

Any significance of head circumference 19 percentile at birth and 89 percentile at 8 years? child does have level 1 autism diagnosis.

A member asked:

I work with a individual with autism that has night time seizures. we noticed that about a few days to a week before she has a seizure she get very aggressive and moody. is this something that happens before seizures or is it in our heads?

A member asked:

My daughter is 1 and has started to throw herself back when angry i'm worried she might hurt her head i have a son with autism could she have autism?

A member asked:

Can head trauma cause you to get autism spectrum disorder?

A member asked:

My son is 17 mths old & has hit all his milestones. he can say 5-10 words not clearly but you can tell he is trying to repeat. he smiles, loves to be around everyone. he head bangs off his crib mattress when he's tired though. sign of autism?

A member asked:

23 yo m, no signs of aggression, autism, or other mental illness; what causes nighttime head bouncing, what helps? sleep not restful, have done since 4

A member asked:

Can children with autism have a bigger shaped head?

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