I found this board by looking for information on head banging in older children.

I have found a wealth of information on head banging in infants and toddlers. Everything I have read says that it should subside by the time they are 4 or 5.

Gabe is 8 years old. He started out as an infant rocking on all fours and humming to get himself to sleep and also he would do it during the night. As he got older, he stopped rocking and started bouncing his head on the bed in a rhythmic motion. He does it all during the night. He doesn't seem to disturb himself at all by doing this, but everyone else in the house hears it all hours of the night. I just can't find any info on kids his age still doing this.
He does not have any developmental problems.

I am really just very curious if any of you have any experience with this or know where I could find any info.

Thanks a bunch!
Katherine

By Amecmom on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 04:28 pm:

Have you discussed it with his Ped? I've never had any experience with this, but I wish you luck.
Ame

By Feona on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 07:21 pm:

Does the ped want him to see an specialist? You said it should have subsided already.....

By Cat on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 08:11 pm:

I have a cousin that rocked herself back and forth to sleep every night through high school. That was just her self calming method. I'd really recomend asking your ped if it's concerning you. Good luck and let us know how it's going.

By Katherine on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 03:53 pm:

I haven't ever mentioned it to his ped because I haven't ever really been too concerned about it.
I am only starting to wonder because he is getting older and still doing it. I think I may make an appointment. I'll let you know what I find out.

By Kaye on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 04:34 pm:

What your son is doing is called self stimulation, he does it because it makes him feel good. Very typically children at this age learn age appropriate ways to make them feel good. Children who are autistic are an example of children who don't. I am not saying that your child is autistic, you would know. I am just saying you are right it is abnormal, I would mention to your ped. We have done quite a bit of eval on all of my kids and the common thread that I hear is, so your child may have this or that, but when you need to worry is when it is affecting him, in school, not sleeping, etc. Anyway talk to your doc when you get a chance, but don't panic unless there is more going on. Does he have friends, does he get things accomplished and not get stuck on things, does he converse like a child and have child like interests?

By Katherine on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 09:45 pm:

He is like any other normal child in most ways. He made A/B honor roll in 2nd grade this year, He is very sweet and caring so he makes lots of friends and has a few very close friends. He interacts very well with all types of kids. He does have a tendency to play with younger children and also is very tender hearted , so I think that the soothing feelings of the head banging relaxes him and melts his worries away. I have been experimenting with some things since my husband is out of town this week. I have been letting him sleep in my bed to monitor just how much he does it. He does it ALOT, However, I bought a piece and quiet CD which has soft music and ocean sounds that seems to keep him asleep all night. I think I will evaluate him and see if he can be soothed in other ways before I take him to the ped with it. I don't want anyone to come up and say they want to put him on sleeping meds or something. Will keep you all posted. Thanks for being concerned!

By Dmom on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

Wonder if he would like a rocking chair? He might find it comfortable and soothing since it rocks back and forth. Just a suggestion.