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Needing advice on my 16 month old son. He mimics actions of his autistic aunt (ten years old). She bites her hands and hits her self in the head, and I've noticed him starting to hit himself in the head too when he gets upset. Is this really a product of mimicking her actions or is it something else? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Needing advice on my 16 month old son. He mimics actions of his autistic aunt (ten years old). She bites her hands and hits her self in the head, and I've noticed him starting to hit himself in the head too when he gets upset. Is this really a product of mimicking her actions or is it something else? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
While a few toddlers do occasionally hit themselves, it is far more likely that he is mimicking his aunt's behavior. Just like children learn to do things like wave good bye and do other positive things by watching and imitating other children they can also learn inappropriate things.
Does he spend a lot of time with his aunt? Is it possible to limit that contact or have him spend more time with typically developing children?
While a few toddlers do occasionally hit themselves, it is far more likely that he is mimicking his aunt's behavior. Just like children learn to do things like wave good bye and do other positive things by watching and imitating other children they can also learn inappropriate things.
Does he spend a lot of time with his aunt? Is it possible to limit that contact or have him spend more time with typically developing children?
I agree with this ^^^^
I would try to limit the amount of time he spends with his aunt and try to have him spend more time with kids his own age. Maybe arrange some play dates, go to the local playgrounds, story times at the library, etc.
My brother used to bang his head on the floor when he was about two. He isn't autistic, but just strange. A real full blown Pisces is what I think his problem is. Keep the kid away from the autistic aunt until he's old enough to understand that she's wacky. He's in his formative years. Anything is a potential example.
Its a strong possibility they are mimicking their aunt if they are around them a lot. But also possible there is sensory issues at play and "stimulation" helps them feel calmer. Something to look into.
Id try to keep the younger child away from the aunt if she is having a melt down. When hitting himself, be soothing and gently urge him to rub his head, not hit it. When he gets upset, be very soothing with massage, calm voice, holding and rocking. Hopefully that will end up feeling better and the hitting will stop.
If he does enjoy hitting himself, it doesn't mean he will be autistic or weird. People, all people, have sensory preferences. Pressure to the head is a very common one, and can come in the form of hitting. If this is the case, looking for other outlets for that need will help (weighted blankets, pressure massage, etc)
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