Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.
"I wondered if you had any advice on how to support a 4-year-old who is banging their head on walls, floors, tables, bookshelves, etc, and also will scratch his skin until he bleeds. The causes of this seem to be that he is frustrated, someone takes something from him, or he’s not getting his own way. There are certain toys that will distract him for a moment or two, but he will often go straight back to this behaviour."
It sounds like he is in complete overwhelm, crisis or state of flight, fright or fight.
I would suggest:
1- Offer him an under-stimulating space that he can access at all times. This space doesn’t have to be big or fancy; sometimes a blanket over a table that he can lie beneath will be enough
2 - Reduce demands and lower expectations. No one can function at their best or process and learn when they are in dysregulation
3 - Learn what he loves and what motivates him, and add that in wherever you can in his day. Join him in that. Shared joy will build trust.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions, you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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